Hi Leopards,

I just had an MRI and found I have a bulging disc at L4-L5. I’m a 21 year old male, and don’t want this injury to end my athletic aspirations. I tweaked it in late October and doctors kept recommending that I rest and do nothing until the pain goes away. I don’t have any pain until I get to end range hip flexion positions like toe-touches and pistol squats, but do have persistent muscle tightness throughout my high glutes and lower back. Pain doesn’t travel into my legs ever. I haven’t been under load since October, but have done some SkillWod Elements to try to improve core stabilization. I want to try to work my way back into Crossfit but am nervous because I don’t want to make the condition worse. Any recommendations about mobilizing to improve spinal stability during Crossfit workouts or working back into the sport would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!