On its own, usually not. Disc degeneration appears on the majority of adult scans, including in people with no pain at all. What matters is whether a specific finding lines up with a specific symptom pattern on examination. A report full of findings and a clear clinical picture are two different things.

Fusion is indicated for instability, deformity, or a slip that moves — not for disc degeneration by itself. If the imaging does not support fusion, the written review will say so and set out what does apply. A recommendation against fusion is a normal outcome here.

MRI is essential. For any suspected slip or instability, standing X-rays with flexion and extension views are also needed — an MRI is taken lying down and can miss movement entirely. CT is added where bone detail or previous instrumentation matters.

For most disc herniation with leg pain and no weakness, there is time — many settle with non-operative care. Progressive weakness, or cord compression in the neck, is treated with more urgency. The review states which category your case falls into and why.

Yes, substantially. Previous operation notes, the implants used and any post-operative imaging change both the assessment and the options. Send them with your scans — a revision case assessed without the original notes is an assessment made half blind.