Mri shows bilateral foraminal stenosis at l4-l5. my doc says it's nothing. could this be the cause of all my lower back and leg pain?

Partly: Foraminal stenosis normally cause nerve impingement which cause the feeling of burning, sharp pains, numbness and tingling sensations normally found in the area of that nerve distribution. Legs, toes in essence sciatica. With regards to your lower back pain, this is most likely due to trauma due to excess weight/ wear & tear, blunt trauma, misuse etc. To improve back pain, strengthen abd. muscles.

Foraminal stenosis: Foraminal stenosis is not normal and may impact pain. The relationship between stenosis and pain is not direct. Depends on degree, other factors; there can be stenosis on MRI without symptoms. Had EMG/ NSC ? Neurologist/physiatrist/sports doc involved?Tried laser, decompression,iontophoreisis,PT,aqua therapy, stretches, kinesiotape? Checked for flat feet,alignment, leg length, pelvic tilt?

Absolutely: Although you are young even mild disc disease can cause leg pain especially when there is bilateral foraminal stenosis present b/c even slight nerve irritation can be a source of pain.Therefore, consider getting an EMG which will provide more data about the severity and then starting Physical Therapy. Ultimately, you may require a topical patch like Lidoderm or a nerve pain medication non narcotic

Could cause pain: spinal stenosis on a MRI could be causing your pain. I would ask your doctor to qualify the degree of spinal stenosis ..moderate or severe stenosis would probably be associated with significant back or leg pains. You might want to try anti inflammatories, physical therapy and if those don't help you might need to see a pain management doctor. Feel better!

Maybe. : It could be part of the cause. Speak to a surgeon for more information.

Not necessarily.: Depends on the extent/severity of the stenosis. If it isn't severe enough to be impinging on the nerves, then it isn't likely to be the cause of your symptoms. Foraminal stenoses are common, and often seen incidentally on scans. I suggest discussing the findings in detail with your doctor.

It could: be the cause of symptoms referrable to the L4 nerve roots, the nerve roots that exit the 4-5 foramen. If you have symptoms in a different distribution, they are not due to that.

Hard to say: It depends on the severity of the stenosis. Consider a second opinion.

Yes but: The real question is why bilateral foraminal stenosis at L4_L5 at your age. Is there disc disease, spondlolisthesis, history of trauma, and abnormality of nerve tests of the sciatic nerve, etc. Wise to see an Orthopedic surgeon to evaluate.