Sorry to hear about your disc. I have had (and recovered from) 2 disc herniations myself. The first I had micodiscectomy on (15yrs ago) the second I treated conservatively (4yrs ago). As a Pt youl'l know that the good news is that discogenic pain with or without radiculopathy nearly always gets better conservatively.



In my case I was treated with stabilization exercises, chiropractic (I am one) and antiinflammatories PRN. Since then I have done 3 full seasons of triathlon and marathoning with less back pain than I have in a long time. My second go around took about 8 mo to really get better but only 4 mo befor I could train.



Good luck

Whatever you do do not try to force the issue. I had back surgery last August and will be doing a half iron distance race to celebrate the new back. After 15 years of dealing with it, my back has never been better, which is a hell of a relief for my leg. I had sciattica and no longer have reflex in my ankle and moderate at my knee. This is from the length of my injury and trying to work through it. I place greater emphasis on yoga/ stretching as the "no miss" workout session and pay attention to my posture at all times. I was walking three hours after surgery, swimming at 4 weeks, riding at 7 weeks and running at 12 weeks. I am 38 yo so it wasn't that I was young and could just bounce back. I paid attetion to how I felt and made no plans, other than the race in September. If I had to take an extended time off, BFD I took the time. My mileage on the bike is up to 75 miles, I can easily run 15+ with only the usual discomfort and swimming never was an issue. Just take your time getting better. Two summers in a row I lived for 4 weeks on the floor of my house eating like a dog with an ottoman supporting my midsection. A back injury can get very ugly. Take your time.