So fellow chefs, I have a question for everyone and I'd like an opinion. I have been running a kitchen for the past 5 years and built it up to be the best within the district. But now I'm stuck in a dilemma.

For some context, I have been dealing with lower back pain for 3 years. It was mild, like a pulled muscle. A few months ago, it got really bad(tingling, numbness, lack of control) and I could barely walk. I then went to a chiropractor and began physical therapy soon after.

I recently had an MRI and found I have 3 herniated disks, with 1 bulge being over 1cm in size. I still have feeling and blood flow in my leg, and I'll still be going to chiro and PT. I'm worried that it will get worse and I will need surgery (which is a last option).

My question is, should I keep working and deal with this problem like a boss should, or should I retire and look for different work? If there are any questions, please ask.

Thanks everyone!