Question regarding MRI results

[kitty81]

Hello everyone. Glad to find this website as I am vey confused and concerned for my future. I am a 28 yr old female. I was injured at work 2 weeks ago (sharp stabbing pain in my lower back, radiating over to my left hip. I also started having muscle spasms and pain going through my left leg a werid vibrating sensation in my pubic area) I did have previous issues with my back due to the fact I have Scoliosis, but never has it been this bad. I started seeing a Chiropracter immediately after my work related injury. After a week and a half of continuous therapy and no improvement she ordered an MRI. Here are the result I was given today from my Chiropracter.

FINDINGS:  
The lumbar vertebral heights are maintained and the overall bone marrow signal is normal. Alignment is intact. There is significant disc desiccation at L5-S1 and the disc space is narrowed at this level. There is mild disc desiccation on the right side disc, L2-3 and L3-4. The distal cord size and signal are normal.

There is a moderate to large size focal disc protrusion central and left of midline L5-S1. This does efface the left lateral recess in the ventral thecal sac.

Remaining levels show no focal disc herniations or central canal compromise.

IMPRESSION: Degenerative Disk Disease L5-S1 and moderate to large central and left of midline disc protrusion L5-S1.

So I guess my question is this.....just how serious is my condition? My chiropracter seemed to think continuous therapy with her would be all I would need. I'm really freaking out and would love to hear other people's opinions on this. Thank you in advance!

[kitty81]

I do not have a family Dr. unfortunately. I do think getting a 2nd opinion would give me peace of mind though. Thank you for all your help and advice! Maybe I can ask my Chiropracter for a referal. I hope she wouldn't take offense to that.

[Kalvin]

It would probably be a good idea to see a Doctor, do you have a family Doctor? Your family Doctor can give you advice on how to handle this and make the necessary referrals to Physical Therapy, a Neurologist or to a Surgeon. Your Doctor can also give you something for your pain and muscle spasms.

You do have a moderate to large disc protrusion, so you need to get as many opinions  as you can, and then you can decide how you want to proceed.  

You might decide to stay with your Chiropractor, but it won't hurt to get a few more opinions.

Good Luck