Hi
I am a physio with a 7 month old waiting to be fed so sorry I havent got the time to trudge through the extensive responses already posted - apologies for any repetitions!

However, I just wanted to quickly post a response based on my experience with treating back patients.

Of course its hard to make a diagnosis with an assessment in person to determine the extent of signs and symptoms. But I do agree that surgery should be a last resort decision due to - (1) it being complex surgery with variable outcomes; (2) your young age; (3) you dont seem to have given different conservative treatments a try yet to see if any of them will work.

With disc injuries, due to the mechanism of injury, my experience has been that they respond best to an extension-based program to try and resorb the protruded disc material. Therefore it would explain why cycling aggravated your symptoms, because during cycling, you prob put a flexion load on your spine which would tend to push the disc material out further. Same with sitting for a long time with legs out or with trying to touch your toes. These actions flex the spine and I would avoid them for now.

The above is based on McKenzie-theories, so yes a Mckenzie-based practitioner could help.

The initial progress could be slow - the main aim is to reduce the bulge and reduce the symptoms first. Once the injury is stabilized, then I will build on strength and movement and flexibity.

I gotta to go feed!!! Hope that helps.

Elin