herniated discs in lower back

I have been struggling with 6 herniated discs in my back. L1-S1. I am going to have the 3rd epidural injection. The first one worked really well, the second not as much. I am not getting a lot of direction or help from my doctors. They have NEVER once recommended physical therapy or any type of exercise. I work as a paramedic and do a lot of lifing, bending, twisting and being tossed around in the back of a moving ambulance. I tore both of my medial meniscus which my doctor said he could not surgically repair until I "fixed my back" The pain in my knees has finally subsided, but I don't feel like I have much strength in them. I also have MS so I don't know if the weakness I am having is from MS or from my injuries. Any suggestions on what I can do to strenghten myself, and get some relief from the pain in my back?

[fairylady77]

first off, did you do this on the job?
secondly....i feel for you...i REALLY do! im dealing with just one....L5-S1...and thats bad enough!!!  and then to add that you have MS on top of all that! wow!  I would insist on PT! i would hope that they have taken you out of work....or put you on light duty.....if not...you ARE at high risk for making this even worse...given that you are a paramedic and have no choice but to do all that lifting, twisting, etc. the only kind of exercise that i would suggest that cant hurt you is walking. even if thats painful....i would do it regardless..to keep and strengthen the muscles in your back/legs. im sure you would much rather hurt due to walking....than to have pain and deteriorating muscles too. any other exercises need to be given by a dr or therapist, so that you dont make your injuries worse than they are.