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Right central disc herniation (extrusion) at L5-S1 with mild downward displacement of the disc material in the anterior epidural space to the right of midline into the right lateral recess zone. This does appear to efface the transversing S1 nerve root on the right. There is also minimal disc desiccation at L5-S1.
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This diagnosis must be on some kind of Med School exam. I seriously have had the exact same diagnosis.
For me, the pian didn't subside until I lost body fat. As a guy, the BF eventually came from the abs. The smaller my waist, the better off I've been. I, too have larned to deak with the pain.
Here's what I do to minimalize my pain:
Morning showers - I take about 10-20 minutes stretching in the warm shower. For my lower back, I squat down with my back against the tub and let my L5 muscles streeeeeeeeetch. The majority of the pain comes from strained muscles (even though it's a disk problem). The muscle tend to be weaker and more prone to injury.
For pain -
Motrin. Docs are quick to give me pain killers and mild to hard muscle relaxers. No thank you. Not unless I just recently hurt myself. Motrin or any other anti-imflammatories work well enough.
Working out and running - I have to run, I don't get a choice. I have had my feet and shoes analyzed and designed to better suit my needs. When I lift, I always use a weight belt and I've just learned to never use my lower back for anything. I do workout my lower back on occassion with very little weight. Deadlifts are a thing of the past for me.
Standing or bending - I know this is common knowledge, but it helps me. I always place one foot higher than the other when i find myself standing for long periods of time. No more bending over either. My glutes have become tight than to always squatting to pick or lift things up!
I've also learned how to crack my back on my own. I do this when I feel my lower back stiffen (usually from sitting down too long). I lay on my back, knees up and then I rotate my legs and knees from one side to the next; keeping my lower back as flat as possible. It's a small piece of heaven when my muscle relax and my L5 slips back into position.
Surgery is the last resort. There are new advnacements like fusing your disks together or artificial disk, etc. Not worth it in my opinion. I know people who've done this and they no longer feel pain (most of the time) but they are no longer active either. I choose being active. If I keep my waist as tight as I can and stay in shape, my pain subsides.
Good luck and realize, you're not alone!