Just got back to work yesterday after being off work since the end of August with a herniated disc.  Not fun.  I could not sit for more than 2 minutes.  It is basically a baloon like bulge that fills up with fluid when you do certain movements and when the bulge gets big enough it pinches a nerve in your spine.  I have been going to therapy for a month now and the pain is a lot more tolerable.  I have been told that unless I practice safe lifting and bending techniques I could injure myself easily again.  I have to keep my back muscles strong.  See a doctor and see if you can get a prescription to see a therapist who can figure out which nerve is being pinched.
The time off sucked because I had to lay on my belly the whole time, but at least I had full pay coverage with my work's bennies.
So, I guess now I am fixed in a way, but I do have to watch how I use my back.