Been there. L5-S1 bulging for me. Bad back spasms for about 2 weeks. I was off the bike for 6 weeks. Started back slowly. I still have a little discomfort at times, but Lodine XL or Aleive take care of it, for the most part.

Stay encouraged! I know, when mine was hurting really bad, I started reading up on recumbents. I was certain that would be the only way I'd be able to ride again. I'm back on the roadie and back to where I was when my disk first started causing me issues.

I kept pcad's story in mind. It was helpful and encouraging. Just don't tell him that. Big heads suck aerodynamically...