l5-s1 disk herniated disk

i am 21 years old i have had lower back pain for yeras now. i know i shouldnt be lifting with my back or as heavy as items as i lift 100+ all the time. i threw my bad out thanksgiving of 09 and was in physical theropy for 3 weeks solid with no relief eventualy could stand the pain to resume to work lifting. early june 2010 i must have lifted wrong and had threw myback out again tried the cyropractor for another 3 weeks with enough relif to return to work. my work now consists of very light lifting up to 50lbs at times. about 2 weeks ago i started getting the pain down my left butt and left leg enough i couldnt sleep at nights. put up with the pain long enough i went to the cyropractor monday 7/26/10 he said i have a herniated disk l5-s1 and poped my back to get it unlocked. i was in so much pain the remaindeer of the day limping and walking hunchbacked till off work. i went to the minor emergency were they took x-rays and perscribed me hydrocodon to deal with the pain and a medrol dos pack anti-inflamitory steroid for "siatica". i went home and iced and heat my back no relief. i took 3 hydros and positioned my self on my side to sleep. i woke up the next morning, got out of bed and something pinched the siatic (sciatic) nerve troping me to the floor. got medavacted to the hospital were they did a mri and refered me to a spinal sergon to ave the herniation removed. i have been in bed now for 1 week straight and havent had the sergury. from beeing in bed with no lifting i have no pain no numbness nothing what is everyones opinion of this

[Punkinhead75]

I currently have a  spondylolisthesis at L4-L5 and a herniated disc at L5-S1 too although my pain isn't as bad as yours.  I used to have a herniated disc at L4-L5 as well.  I did have a a lot of pain with that one so I understand what you're dealing with.  I stuck with my chiropractor and did IDD therapy. I forget what IDD stands for but it is a type of decompression therapy.  It got rid of the herniated disc and was trouble free until recently.  The spondy is an old injury as well and has recently brought a lot of numbness and discomfort.  I will be going through IDD therapy again and hopiong for the best.  I recommend talking with a dr. in regards to exercises to help strengthen core muscles.  Be careful with the pain meds, they can be tough to quit.  Laying around for extended periods of time (48hrs) isn't recommended.  The muscles actually become weaker which can make problems worse.  I use a lot of ice to keep inflammation down along with stretching and strengthening exercises.  There are other options available besides surgery.  Good Luck!!!!!