Running was actually the cause of my herniated disc. Well probably weakened over the years by slouching forward at the computer and not building a strong core. But after recovering from one huge bout of back pain I started running again and a few days later I had sciatica and foot drop. I still have nerve damage.

Doing the McKenzie back exercises every morning for the past five years is the reason I’m able to still function I think.

I can’t say if the pain from sciatica caused by a disc herniation is the worst pain I will ever feel, but it would be hard to imagine worse.