[DonDavis]

I speak from personal experience. Ruptured L5-S1, bulging L4-L5. I used ice ( heat was the worst thing I did for it ) and PT to get me back in shape. No surgery. However, I have a somewhat high tolerance for pain. YMMV, Docs were surprised I was even standing, let alone walking. That was '04, since then I run. work out, lift, hike, etc. But, ( there's always a but ) I do have some residual reminders. If I overdo it, I'm really restricted for a few days. I'm still bouncing back, tho.

Where is the pain? I'm guessing lower back? The Vegas trip definitely did NOT help things, but you know that. I would not use heat any longer. Heat expands the area and increases the pressure point of interest. You should ice your back. And insist on an MRI. Have you ever had one? That will tell the real story. The Xray is to rule out any structural issues then the MRI tells the soft tissue story.

Take all you read about your back carefully. Not something to guess around with. Me? I would strongly recommend an MRI, then if appropriate, Physical Therapy, and make a REAL attempt at it. Be VERY diligent at the home exercises they prescribe. It sucked but I avoided the knife, and feel fine now. The MRI Technologist that initailly scanned my back said she'd never had a patient walk in with a disc that badly hosed up. I'm lucky, but I also worked my ass off during PT.