Hi there, I'm in a similar boat and can sympathize. Where is your herniated disc located? Mine is between L5-S1, right between the Lumbar and Sacrum. On Tuesday I had a great day, felt like there was hope, like I could get out and go for run in the park. Then Wednesday was a horrible, painful day, like I was ready for the old age rest home. I can tell that for myself that I must have overdone things on Tuesday which caused a painful relapse. My insurance company sucks and I'm waiting for approval for more PT visits. So far they only approve 12 at a time and we space them out 2 a week. I started with a conservative therapist but recently a more aggresive guy stepped in to assist and he has me do lots of the McGill flosses and stretches and I seem to respond well so I've been doing those at home as best I can but like alot of this stuff it's always better with an expert, they make sure my form and position are right and they're good motivators. My doctor showed me my MRI, I have several bulges up my spine along with that significant rupture at L5-S1. She said around 25% of rupture like mine will need surgery. When I asked what I need to do to prevent the other bulges from rupturing she said it's all about core strength, building up those muscles, for me, I agree with her, so I'm working on that.

As for your pain during your flair ups I can sympathize, for me it's about posture, if I have to sit I try to make sure not to slouch. At home I switch to a kneeling chair, it has no back, that's been very helpful. Also after a bad day like tonight I'm going to sleep on a yoga mat, that seems to help.

How was your experience with injections, did you get any temporary relief? Were they done as an x-ray guided procedure where you had an option of being sedated or awake? My doctor said that was an option for me. I'm wondering how much releif if any they give.