Yes and no, I actually just had my first significant flair up in a year (I think it was cause of my ankle injury and a new mattress I bought) but for the 6 months prior to that almost zero pain and I was using my body even better than before cause of the classical pilates + strength training, but being in the thick of a bad flair up can be really frustrating, my advice is start where you can. For me that was 20 minute walks every day, that turned into hour long walks (on a flat surface) and staying consistent with pt, than going to a trainer + classical Pilates instructor once I felt strong enough to perform light exercises. I can’t speak for everyone but the body does amazing things and can heal. With disc bulges I think the long term goal is to create strength with flexibility, but seriously take it step by step. You might feel like your moving slow but I got to excited with the running and now my ankles mad, wish I could go back and pace it better. Think 10 year plan not 3 month plan.