I was told I was the “perfect” candidate for disc replacement. Then right after the doc said that it would last about 10 years, then have to do it again, rinse and repeat. Advised that if I could live with it through lifestyle changes, holding off at least one cycle, then I’d be better off in the long run.
That was 20 years ago, and so far (knock on wood) I’ve lived with it. I’ve figured out my triggers, and avoided as best/much as I can.
Combined with chiro (he’s methodical, not a rack-em crack-em), as well as massage, it’s worked for me. That’s with a bulge half hanging out, as well as a dead disc from degenerative disc whatever it's called.
I still have a bad day now and then, when I can’t avoid certain things, but I recover in a day or two. I’ve found when doing something that I know can trigger it, I take overly-frequent breaks.
Surprising enough to me, it works. There are times when doing that where I’m not down for days, and maybe just a little sore that evening.
Now, someone in a real bad spot, that probably isn’t going to work. But for less extreme cases, it’s worth giving a try first.
Along with stretches, and some mild core strengthening, you can live pretty good. I play golf, fish, hike, and all that jazz. No real issues, provided I don’t overdo it.