Firstly im not a bodybuilder but i have been training with weights for years. I had my disc op 15 years ago and after doing the physio and a lot of hard work i managed to get back to something like normal again.
I dont squat anymore,or do any exercise that might put the lower back under too much stress, what i have done is keep in relatively good shape, much better than most of my age group
, and concentrate on fitness more than physique. That said im currently waiting for a scan to try and solve my sciatic problem, im still doing as much as i can walking up to 10 miles a day and some dumbell work at home, keeping mobile is the best thing i can do.
I'd just say just take it steady you have plenty of time to get back to normal again.