My story was already posted on here a couple years ago, so I will keep it short. Had history of tweaking back from time to time for years, my Chiropractor would just adjust me and I would be fine. Until I stepped in a old fox/coyote den checking game camera. Felt good rest of night, but couldn't hardly move. Went to my Chiro and he did adjustments...but didn't really assess my injury. Tried couple adjustments and electrolysis therapy, thinking spasms. Well...went to another Chiro I know and trust. He assessed, gave me exercised which should help...but did NOT adjust me. On 2 visit, he increased weight on traction machine and when it relaxed and thought I was going to quit breathing and it hurt like hell, as besides back pain, I had shooting pain down my right lig to my little toe. He said he believed I had disc issue and recommended MRI. Went to clinic, told doc my treatment history...got referral for MRI. I was taking Ibuprofen like crazy....! Insurance approved it almost right away...so MRI was done within days. Report came back herniated disc L4-L5 and L5-S1. I also had bulging disc L2-L3 and L3-L4. Asked for referral to Dr. Belanger in Bismarck, got in couple days later to see him. Developed game plan for surgery once insurance approves, 2 weeks later had "discectomy" on L4-L5, as that herniated disc to my right side was giving me the pain. The L5-S1 was herniated to the left, but I had no pain on left side. So Dr. Belanger figured that over time of heavy lifting, the mis-step into the hole was just enough. He advised me to take it easy and don't strain so hard on lifting and ask for help to lift. Another words....get rid of the male heeman ego. Since surgery...I had to take it real easy for 6 weeks, but Dr. Belanger said it take the disc a whole year to actually heal. With an end of January 2017 surgery, I was still have to Paddlefish that May, but watched how I handled the fishing rod. Since then I walk more and adjusted my lifting limits and stretch. Haven't been back to Chiro since and I feel great. Just listen to your body....messing up your back can really suck. But remember, 80% of the population will experience a back issue in one shape or another......but your actions and lifestyle can influence the severity.
Good luck!