I had half a disc removed about 14 years ago. Since then I would get regular relapses & be in agony for a few days. 2 years ago I slipped 2 discs & had to have 3 weeks off work. A physio friend of mine told me that the advice on slipped discs has changed dramatically in recent years. Basically, you should get moving as soon as & as much as possible. If it really hurts stop, if not keep going to strengthen it back up. When fully fit I started to do core exercises 2-3 times a week & swimming (front crawl, not breaststroke - it's easier on the back apparently). Touch wood, in the 2 subsequent years I have not had a problem with my back.