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I'm kicking myself because after the last real bad incident (about 6 years ago) I started a routine of stretching, etc. and my back felt better than ever...so...I quit doing the stretching exercises. One of those decisions that didn't pan out like I hoped.
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I herniated three discs about 20 years ago. I have a flair up about every two years. Very painful and I am completely incompacitated for at least 4 days at each occurance.
Prior to the last flair up I have been exercising very regularily. Cardio, low-back friendly weights, canoe paddling, and lots of stretching. Nonetheless, the lower back flared up about 4 miles out in the open ocean. It was not a pleasure cruise paddling back.
IME, proper exerices and stretching does not prevent the injury from reoccuring. It will, however, lessen the recovery time for future flair ups. It seemslike once a disc is injured, herniations are parts of life you just have to live with. You don't know where or when the next one will occur, but it will.
There is lots of good advise here. But, as Moses said, you need to get your specific probalm addressed. I am not one who enjoys seeing doctors. Virtually the only time I will willingly see a doctor is when the back goes out.
Ibuprion, ice, heat and bed rest work for me. Oh, and a little Vicodine goes a long way too.
