Micro,
Yeah, you sure did pick a bad time to have your back go out. You sound pretty good for the pain you're in. Did you do the pelvis (ankles clicking) test? Important to be aligned or your disk doesn't have a chance.
When I had my herniated disk, I used a chiropractor to realign my back, then a neurologist who said I didn't need an operation and gave me exercises. Swimming was one and then walking up and down hills. The problem was pacing myself. If I felt good, I walked too much and was hurting too much to walk for a day or two. Took some fine tuning. Treatment depends on your exact condition, of course.
Must say, your spirits are high, that's good. Hope you recover soon and especially before Christmas!