Bulged disc - depressed

I've had 2 lower back surgeries and cervical surgery for cracked C4 and C5 vertebrae.  I'm trying to figure out how an urgent care doctor diagnosed a bulged disc with no MRI, CT scan, etc.  On top of that, as far as I'm concerned, he ought to be jailed for giving you the drug cocktail he sent you home with.  I'm no doctor.....but I doubt I'd call that person a doctor either.

April 4th this year while practicing for an off-road motorcycle desert race I wrecked pretty bad. Broken clavicle- 3 places- 6 broken ribs- collapsed lung- concussion ect. Last Sunday I ran a Sprint distance triathlon. While it seems hopeless right now there is a future for you still in triathlon. Focus on recovery- even if it can't start today carrying that positive mental attitude helps the spirit and I believe physically as well. Smile and enjoy life even though sometimes it sucks

So sorry to hear you're in so much pain!!  I second LB - there's no way to diagnose a bulging disc without radiography. I have fairly severe disc degeneration and some bulging discs in my low back so I have to be really careful about hyper-extending my back as well as other things like lots of bending or lifting. 

I had a similar experience: long-term but manageable back pain, then something seemingly benign that ended up feeling catastrophic.  My recovery wasn't as quick but I had a couple detours because of hip surgeries to repair torn cartilage.  Despite being told in January that I needed a spinal fusion, I did my first tri last Sunday and am planning to do another in a month.

One thing I find that I can do when my back really hurts is to swim with a pull buoy.  That engages my core and works my arms.  It's not ideal but at least it's more than nothing.  Riding on my trainer works too, most of the time.  Riding on the road can be rough sometimes depending on the surface, and when running, I really prefer to avoid concrete or asphalt if possible.  I also swear by a topical analgesic called Theragesic.  It smells to high heaven but it feels really good.

For now, try the swimming and some simple core exercises like side planks or "pointer dogs" (while on hands and knees, engage core and lift leg out straight out behind you and hold keeping hips level; for more challenge, lift leg and opposite arm).  Another good one is what I can a "mini-crunch": lying on your back, engage your abs and lift your shoulders up off the floor and hold.  Also, if the ice isn't working, try heat.  To get some cardio benefits, try using an aqua jogger in the pool.  It basically lets you run in the pool so you get the benefit of walking or running without the impact.

Hope you heal up soon!!

Find out who treats local professional/college athletes ......you will find help there.

I had a bulged disc in my neck back around 1999 or 2000.  Diagnosed with an MRI I was sent to a surgeon that prescribed physical therapy.  It took about 2 weeks of PT to get rid of most of the pain and about a month before I was pretty much symptom free. To this day if I sleep on it funny or don't pay attention to my posture when sitting I wind up having to do a few days of the home PT I was given during my sessions.

I would also question the diagnosis without an MRI as my symptoms were not pain in my neck.  It started as a stiff neck, and that is what I  still get if I am not careful, but the real pain was in my shoulder and arm along with numbness in my lower arm and hand.  The tip of my thumb is still numb from this.  I know each disc has different nerves passing between them but most people I know with lower disc issues show some issues with one of their legs. 

Bottom line, if it is a disc problem  it should be properly diagnosed with an MRI.  It is treatable with physical therapy if it hasnt gone too far which would get you back to training fairly quickly. 

Good luck.

Another thing to consider is a chiropractor who specializes in rehab.  Google rehab chiropractic; there are lots of options.  I went to a guy who does adjustments but also acupuncture, isometric stretches, gives exercises, applies Kinesiotape, the whole 9 yards.  I got way more out of seeing him than I did out of going to PT.