Originally Posted by cheeseflavor
Got word from the doc today that I have a "large herniation"
I had a large herniation and two bulging disks from bad posture while sitting and throwing my kids in the pool (twisting motion). I was referred to a surgeon. He said that it he did not think physical therapy would work in this case but he was conservative and wanted me to try anyway. About the same time, a friend with a similar problem loaned me a book "Treat Your Own Back" by McKenzie. The Physical therapist had me doing the same stretching exercises as in the book. The book claims 10 days of this will fix any disk problem. I felt no improvement for three weeks. Then, suddenly improvement. After 4 weeks all pain in my leg and butt were gone.
That was 9 years ago. Now I do the exercises about once a week. I have not had a problem since. I play tennis more than ever which is not good for your back. But, walking and riding are good as long as you keep good posture. Never bend forward without support. Never sit without strong lumbar support (the book tries to sell you theirs).
I would highly recommend doing the physical therapy and not consider surgery unless you get no relief after a month. I did the exercises five times a day for a month and then started cutting back after the pain disappeared. There is another thread on this you might check out.