Hello,

15 months ago on an 18% section of a climb grinding in the saddle, I herniated (I think) a disc in my lower back. The pain was so sharp and intense I had to stop immediately and go home. After about a month of rehab and recovery, things were fine and the past year has been ok. Lots of training, but no back blowups. I even got over the mental issue of fearing my back might go out. Until today. In a dejavu moment, on the same stretch of climb, the same thing happened. A bomb went off in my lower back, in I'd say the L4/L5 area, causing me to immediately unclip and stand motionless for about three minutes. Good thing I was close to home and it was all downhill.

Anyone else have a similar issue? Should I pursue surgery?

Thanks a lot for any insight.