My 16 year old daughter, (5'6", 130 lbs) who is a year round volleyball player has problems with lower back pain since she was 12 years old. She was a gymnast for 9 years. She gave it up because of the injuries. On May 8, my daughter's back pain started after doing back flips, She had volleyball practice on May 12, and could not finish because of the back pain. When she lowers her head, she gets sharp pains in the lower back. She went to 4 therapy sessions with her Chiropractor with no relief. The Chiroprator ordered xrays (which indicated no stress fracture) then ordered a MRI. Apparently she has a centralized bulging disc at L1-L2. He instructed her rest for 2 to 4 months. She was told to wear her back brace and rest until the pain was gone then she could start therapy. He suggested maybe a more permanent back brace would shorten the recovery time. I made an appointment with an Orthopedist at the Spinal Center. He looked at her MRI and was not too concerned about the bulging disc. He was more concerned of a possible stress fracture. I told him the xray did not indicate a fracture. He suggestion was to take Steriods for 6 days and start physical therapy immediately. He also sugested NOT to wear the brace. Now we are totally confused. Can you please tell me what is the best treatment for her. Thank you.