What does shallow central disc protrusion at l5-s1 without neural impingement or stenosis mean? i had a mri of my lumbar spine and this is what the impression says? been having back pain since august , the pain going up into my neck and down my legs?

There are rubber like disks between the vertebrae. The wording says a lip of one disk between L5-S1 is pushed forward but does not touch any part of the spinal cord & there is no narrowing of the central canal where the cord is positioned. In other-words, this study does not suggest a cause for your pain. All such studies should be interpreted by the doc who knows all the facts of your case.

The report should be assessed as reassuring, as this is a minor disc protrusion, causing no nerve compression, and not narrowing the lumbosacral cistern (not "stenosis"). This is an inconsequential finding, not explaining your widespread symptoms. See a physiatrist and evaluate what potential rehab steps might be best for you.