MRI results/Numbness in left foot/ inability to put weight on left toes

[Jasvirgrewal]

I am 37 male. Started having left hip pain about 5 weeks ago. then numbness in left foot. Got CT scan done which said Large left L5 S1 protrusion which displaces, compress the root of S1 Nerve. I got the MRI done and the report came today and it says  ' Moderate Left Paracentral intervertebral disc protrusion/extrusion at L5/S1 with associated mass effect on the left S1 and S2 nerve root within the left lateral recess and on the left side of the thecal sac.
Thickening and hyperintensity on the left S1 nerve root at the site of compression'

I am freaking out, Specialist's appointment is still 2 weeks away. Could someone help what it means and does it sound bad enough to have a surgery. How successful discectomy is?
for the last 2 weeks the symptoms are partial numbness in left toes and inability to put weight on left toes. No pain.
Thanks

[Jasvirgrewal]

Dr. Mathur,
Appreciate your time and advise.
Regards,
Jasvir Grewal.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
A disc bulge appears to be scary. However, most disc bulges go back to original place and the symptoms disappear with conservative treatment. Well central and para-central disc protrusions that irritate a spinal nerve or have the potential to do so as in your case can be treated conservatively. This conservative treatment involves pain killers, anti-inflammatory medications, epidural injections, steroid injections, corsets and braces and physiotherapy. If all such treatments fail, then surgery may be required. Do discuss with your doctor. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.