I herniated L5-S1 ten years ago. My ex- (a doc) looked at my scan and said "Oh my God!" so I guess it was really pretty blown out.

I saw the best doc ever (NOT my ex!) who sent me to PT and got me injections, which were quite humiliating, especially because they were performed by possibly the hansomest doc ever (also NOT my ex!).

I worked hard in PT and even figured out how to walk with the pool rehab ladies and managed to keep away from the surgeons, and now, ten years later, well, I can't say 'good as new' because I'm much older than new. But good enough.

And I get to ride my bike.

Hang in there. When my back hurt, it seemed like it took a really long time to get better and stupid little things like picking up a six pack or pushing a shopping cart would cause a setback.