[SunDeck]

I had a bad case of sciatica a couple years ago, and even though it's not the same as a bulging disc, I can vouch for the value of therapy. Two things especially:

1) I became aware that as a desk jockey my body had undergone a lot of change in the last ten years. For example, strengthening the core muscles helps enormously to compensate for other problems. I also have torn cartilege in both knees and found that bike commuting has strengthened my legs to the point that the cartilege never slips out of place anymore. Building strength can do wonders.

2) I developed a much better sense of posture and avoiding situations that can aggravate my own back. Also figured out that I can do everything I did when I was twenty, but that it requires a little thought and deliberation.