I have a couple of herniated discs that showed up on an MRI (along with arthritis and stenosis stuff I cannot even spell). Doctor sent me to a pain clinic that specializes in back and neck problems. They have specialized exercise machines to strengthen specific muscles. Doctor there told me that the best thing for my bad discs (no nerve damage) was exercise to strengthen the back muscles. Also told me that exercises are necessary to pump nourishment into discs, that the worst thing you can do is not move. Went to the pain clinic for workouts twice a week for 6 weeks or so; haven't had a problem since, and that was several years ago.