did you see these from PubMed -
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22154147

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?...uestrated+disc

I wonder if Low level laser therapy (LLLT also called soft laser or cold laser) might be helpful for the pain and healing aspects? Might be something to seek a practitioner that has one to see if it helps.

http://www.laser.nu/