My L-1 has always been herniated on/off caused by a minor spinal-curve (from birth). Like minor scoliosis.
So from that curvature, it presses oddly on one side of it, causing the other side to bulge outward.
Its normally fine when not compressed (which I happen to do to it weekly w/ SQ's and DL's).
The pain has always been manageable but getting a bit worse w/ age. Made me break out the inversion-table again lately.
(And back off the heavy SQ/DL).
As far as nerve damage and muscle damage, never noticed any. Maybe too chubby to notice and/or not muscular enough to have it happen.