Back Pain

[sjlnv]

So on 1/12/09 I had my 4th MRI in 10 years, due to Back pain! (i'm only 28yrs now!) The impresion is...

Moderate left paracentral disc protrusion at the l5-s1 level, which effaces the left ventral surface of thecal sac and the left nerve root exit zone.

It also says

Compared to 11/20/02, the left paracentral disc protrusion is much more pronounced on the current exam.

What does this all mean? I've done a bit of research & found that a disc protrusion is a herniated disc, but can't find any info on the thecal sac & nerve root exit zone issue! I work in the NICu & efface in our unit is talking about the cervics thinning. Is that the same efface?

I've been referred to a Neuro Surgeon but the office takes mor than 2 weeks to contact the pt. for an appointment! They said more like 2 1/2 weeks, just to set up the appointment! So I'm looking for advice to put me at ease or to let me know the truth! Will I have to have surgery? What other side effects should I be on the look out for? I stood up yesterday & fell, was that just being clumsy or should I let my GP know?

For now... I live on Vicoden & ibprofen!
Any help or comments are very much appreciated!
Thanks,
Sandi