kIRSTEN
i have had 3 bulging discs at L 3,4,5 since 1990 in jan 2001 i got one of back aches that didnt go away...an MRI showed a severe left herniation at the S-1 disc (wich is the one directly below the other 3) I had the surgery to correct it and was at work in 5 days....wich was kind of early...but you feel better standing then sitting afterward. if you are near the orlando area may i recomend DR Philip St Louis neurosurgeon.....he is the BEST doctor i have ever seen. as for my other discs..i have been pain free since that surgery in april.best wishes for a speedy recovery