Hello, I recently had a CT Lumbar spine scan and am wondering whether my results are a cause for alarm or not. My GP has suggested I visit a neurosurgeon for possibly surgery. This seems drastic as I am comfortable whilst taking anti-inflammatories (off them is a different story though..)

Anyway, this is what the report says:

There is normal posterior vertebral body alignment.
At L2-3, L3-4, L4-5 no disc protrusion. No nerve root compression.
At L5-S1 there is a moderate sized left paracentral disc protrusion. Disc material extends beyond the posterior disc margin over a distance of 12mm. There is a compression of the left side of the theca and left S1 nerve root. The L5 nerve roots are uncompromised.
The paraspinal soft tissues appear unremarkable.
Conclusion: Left paracentral L5-S1 disc protrusion.

So, does this sound not too bad or terrible? Also, I am very concerned about this injury becoming extruded so is there a way you can tell the likelihood of that happening from this report?

Any feedback and suggestions would be appreciated. I am new to all this and really confused.