My wife is only 27, but has bulging disc's in her back. This has been an on going issue for almost a year now. It took awhile to get an mri approved through insurance, so we have only known for the last few months. The first time the issue popped up, she was on bed rest for the better part of 4-6 weeks with limited activity. The problem gradually went away and she returned to a normal routine (with minor pain/needing rest etc). It has gone out on her another 2-3 times with anywhere from 1-2 weeks of down time needed to do even the most minor of tasks requiring her to be on her feet for more than a few mins. She has started her own business during this time period, mostly on the weekends, but was free to sit or stand as needed. Recently she has started working part time during the week for more consistant money and lasted only 6 days at work before her back was shot again. shes taking prescribed muscle relaxers and hydrcodne 4+ times a day and sleeping a ton. They have recommended her getting an epidermal shot in her back, but its 2-4 weeks to get on the schedule for that. They wont do surgery due to the location of the bulging disc's unless they rupture, I spoke to her dr about applying for disability, as i just dont see how she can have any type of steady income or hold a job, as companies wont put up with an employee in and out of being able to work, especially a new employee and he thought it was a good idea, but also stated they dont ask for your dr's opinion anymore, they just request medical records and make a decision off those.