Hi. I have degenerative disk disease. I have had this problem for maybe 4 to 7 years. (I am a 37 year old male). In the past few weeks I have started with a sciatic nerve problem due to the degenerative disk disease according to my chiropractor. The pain has gotten severe at times within the past week or so. I am seeing my family doctor in three days my chiropractor suggested an MRI of my back. My real question though is that I work at a department store and lift up to 50 pounds multiple times every day that I work (I work part time). I have to work the next two days monday and tuesday and I am worried the constant lifting there will permanently injure my back. My chiropractor is aware of all this and assures me that constantly lifting and lifting 50 pounds daily will not permanently injure my back. I just wanted a second opinion from a MD that my back will not be permanently injured in the next two days at work before I can see my doctor (after I worked a five hour shift last night the pain went from moderate to very sever at times in my left leg the pain is from buttock to ankle) I show all the classic signs of sciatic nerve pain. It is oftentimes hard to sit and even harder to get up or get out of a car (I usually have to support myself with my hands at this point) I have had three decompression treatment done in the last week and a half at my chiropractor. Again I m seeing my medical doctor in 2 days for a possible MRI in about a month or so but what do I do in the meantime and especially what do I do about going to work the next two days? Will it permanently injure my back? (It seems to be gradually getting worse and last night after my 5 hour shift it seemed to be at the worst ever. This sever pain continues into today Sunday) Thanks so much for your insight in advance I appreciate your time!