This is what I'm getting from this:
The pain in my back is from a compressed or a ruptured disk that is pushing on a nerve
Don't put any additional weight(well, very light weight) that puts direct pressure on my back
Strengthen the core as much as possible. Meaning flabs & obliques.
Still do legs - but, with damn near only body weight
As far as ice - no, I do heat instead. It works wonders, but it's very temporary.
Fvck hardcore if you can't stand up straight