I ended up having a discotomy for my l5. that's a bad place to hurt your back. some things that I do to control pain and remain healthy:
I use medicinal weed, it doesn't kill the pain but rather allows me to focus on work at hand instead of being miserable all the time.
ibuprophen- 750-800 mgs every 4 hrs until swelling is under control (now that you injured it, you will forever be dealing with flare ups.
joint help- 6-8 pills per day depending on pain/injury
fish oil- 8-10g per day I like IFNs mint infused fo
Castor oil packs
squats and deads (once your healed) don't do anything stupid.. your back will now dictate your weight selection go easy.
cross country ski machine like the old Nordic trac. bar none the best lower back exercise for l5 spinal health