do you REALLY need squats and deads? I've bulged a disc and while I know it's possible to get back to these movements, I'd rather just not take the risk anymore because this injury has been fucking horrible

can I make the same respectable progress with lunges and Bulgarian splits if it's just for aesthetics?

what are some alternatives to deadlifts that are safer?

I finally got hit with the ol' L4-L5 herniation and I really just want to move on to a safer lower body routine.