Protruding disc help

[Triumph87]

Hello,
About 3 weeks ago I began experiencing a lower back pain that would radiate into my right leg. I feel pain going down my hamstring.

I went to see my University doctor (Im 20 years old). He said it was siatica and prescribed me naproxen. After a week  and not much improvement I went back and he ordered a Lower back MRI.

I got my results back.:
TECHNIQUE: Multiplanar,multisequential images through the lumbar spine without contrast.
FINDINGS:
Bone marrow signal: Normal.
Conus medullaris ends at L1 and demonstrates normal configuration.
Disc signal: There is normal disc signal except for decreased T2 signal of the L5-S1 disc
consistent with desiccation.
Levels:
L1-L5: Normal.
L5-S1: There is a slightly right paracentral disc protrusion which appears to be abutting the S1
exiting nerve roots right greater than left. There is some facet arthropathy at this level' Those
findings result in moderate bilateral foraminal stenosis as well as mild central canal stenosis'
IMPRESSION: L5-S1 DISC PROTRUSION

What should i do now, I have searched online but cant find much information on a protruding disc, only on herniated discs and bulging discs. ( Is this different from a bulging disc)

Will this heal? Am i going to have problems with this later on in life?
What activities should I avoid? Can I bike ride?
I am still on the naproxen.

Should I visit a specialist? Go to PT? Chiropractor?

Anything else that can help would be greatly appreciated.

I was told not to worry much, but im 20 years old and would like to continue my active lifestyle.

Thanks for your help.

[sojka123]

You have a disc at L5-S1.  common.  Lots of treatment options.  you typically start conservative (especially at your age) and work "up" to more intense treatments and surgery.  My suggestion is find a good spine specialist and begin working on PT (stay away from chiropractors and acupuncture - no help with this)  

There is a TON of info on the web on this problem.  Bulge, herniation, protrusion all basically the same thing.  

[Zak_Han]

try inversion table.