There are procedures that would help. Since I am new to the form I'm not allowed to post the links.
Nucleoplasty the easiest percutaneous procedure thereby the least expensive.
Laminoplasty they remove a section of the lamina more permanent than nucleoplasty
Artificial disc replacement the best most permanent solution with a 96% success rate.
Attempts to resolve the weak bone issue are pretty successful with the use of Forteo in advance of surgery. The loss of flexibility is only better than the pain and disability that can result from lack of treatment.
Central canal stenosis is the usual progress of increasing disc bulge. If the changes are dramatic since May, your physician should consider a repeat MRI with contrast or a CT. If the disc has herniated, you can have pain some distance from the disc. The nucleus pupolsus is caustic. Once released it will pain every nerve it touches.

Best wishes