What Does the following lumbar Spine MRI Indicate? 

Please see my lumbar spine MRI results below; Findings: moderate-sized broad-based left paracentral disc protrusion at L2/L3 which is impinging on the transiting left L3 nerve root. This is most likely to account for the patient symptoms. No disc protrusions at the other levels. Spinal alignment is satisfactory. Vertebral body heights, alignment and signal return are within normal limits. Incidental vertebral body haemangioma at L1 of no clinical significance. Spinal cord terminates at the normal level and returns normal signal. No other significant findings. Impression: Disc protrusion at L2/L3 impinging on the transiting left L3 nerve root. I have in alot of discomfort over a 4 month period (some of which has been extremely painful, resulting in emergency medical attention). This pain was brought on initially with severe lower back pain however during this time I have also had acute pain in my left side to my rib cage area. This is an ongoing problem over the last couple of years however the pain was hightened when suffering with my back pain. My questions to you are; 1). Would the findings above be related to the pain on my upper left hand side? 2). Although I am not in such pain, mainly due to good self-management, I am still feeling discomfort to both area s. What would you recommendation be to resolve this problem. I look forward to receiving your response. Many thanks