herniated disk
I suffered the effects of a herniated disk through 2 years of college before finally having it surgically repaired. Pre-surgery, the sciatica was so bad I was losing feeling in my toes and I was unable to comfortably sleep at night. Recovery from surgery was relatively easy; I was on my feet within days and began walking 2 miles every day (for 6 months). Five years later, I am almost completely pain-free, though I am always aware that I did not receive a new back in my surgery so am constantly taking it easy.