I have the same problem. An old fracture to L3 and three bulging discs. The important part is to get treatment. Rest alone will not work. My DO starts with heat, massage, a chiropractic adjustment and shots. Find a non-surgical ortho doctor. I have just recently received shots in my facet joints(around the vertebrae into the affected nerves). Really helps. The key is to gets the nerves relaxed and unswollen to heal. Gook luck. I have found that biking helps me. It keeps the core muscles strong. Lots of stretching before and after. Planks also help.