Sniper, congrats on your soon-to-be addition and welcome to the site.
I wrecked my back being an RN in critical care, but have been out a lot longer than you. Almost five years, technically. Hurt myself doing lifting also. Just a lot of lifting.
After being on this board and others, I have found there are many firemen/women, police people, nurses, and EMTs with hurt backs/spines. I don't think backs are meant to lift heavy weights for a long time.
I hope your discogram gives you some answers. Some docs do not believe in discos but IMHO, I am a believer. Honestly, the pain can be bad but when you confirm what your pain generator is, that is priceless.
Take care and good luck,
Kimmers
