Hi Craig,
Well it sounds as if you have had an MRI and not discography yet, so no evidence of leakage from your discs just bulging. If you had leakage this is usually VERY painful and you don`t report this.
Discs inflate and deflate as fluid comes and goes into, and out of them. When you lie down as no pressure is on the spine joint, then fluid goes into your disc and when you stand up it compresses the disc so drives fluid out. Its as simple as that.
The disc might be torn inside but so far no reported leaks.
Quite often Pilates exercises strengthening muscles can be a big help. Many repetitions with weights etc will be unhelpful as you can imagine they are driving fluid out of your spine if you are vertical. Just to see what works for you.
It is very major surgery and a one off -- -- -- not to be taken lightly
If you're thinking about ADR then you need to get yourself as fit as possible, and your body mass index down to between 20 and 25 is the recommended limits.
Best,
Alastair