I’m 18 years old, worked for a huge company as a stock employee and herniated a disc in my lower lumbar spine at work. i went to the doctor who sent me for an MRI which showed i had herniated a disc. after that, he scheduled me for 5 weeks of chiropractic treatment, which only made things worse…i was then sent to a spine specialist who sent me to a physical therapist for a month and after the third week, i was sent back to the spine specialist orthopedist because the physical therapist concluded not only was my back not getting better, but it was getting worse. the orthopedist then gave me an epideral (cortozone injection into my spine) the injection did not work…and now he wants me to have an artificial disc replacement surgery, or something like that…which i have been advised against by many people due to my age…i have seeked opinions from other doctors who all say your only other option is surgery. i’m a full time student and dont have time for the surgery, nor do i want to have it right away. and i have severe pain down my leg from my sciatic nerve and a really hard time sleeping, cuz my back is in constant pain…should i request a settlement and how much should i expect. i have fallen out of shape over the past 4 months and havnt been able to play any sports, let alone walk for more than a half mile….i would like to have to surgery, but not for another 4 years, when im done with school. should i ask for enough in my settlement to be able to pay for the surgery..what should i do…im looking for advice.

thanks

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