Hi. I am a 55-year old female. I was diagnosed with DDD in 2005. I have had PT, cortisone shots, and traction for herniated discs in the C-3 to C-5 regions and PT and cortisone shots for the L-4 to S-1 regions. I have a pool which I use daily during the warmer months...even March and November wearing leggings...to do water exercise which helps. In the past 6 weeks I have noticed a remarkable change in my back pain. I cannot walk or stand for longer than 30-45 mins without major pain. Sometimes when I walk it feels like my right leg is going to collapse. Pain first going down stairs and now up stairs. I had an MRI in Nov 2013 which showed mild-moderate degeneration at L-5-S1 along with small right para central disc bulge having mild mass effect on the thecal sac and S-1 nerve root. More degeneration at L4-5. I also have mild scoliosis and rotation and facet joint hyper trophy at L-5/S-1. My pain is more prominent and if I bend or reach or do stairs, I can feel the sciatic nerve impinged. Can you tell me what might be happening and if it could be serious enough for the ER. Thank you.