text: can you develope bulging l4-5 discs due to walking with a limp or effects of leg injuries? i had to have a mri on my lower back because of low back pain. i was injured while serving in the army and have had 2 knee surgeries and am looking at more. since the injury and surgeries i have had a limp and now have to use a cain to help me get around. the va tells me that the limp and the odd gait i've had for almost 21 years wasn't a factor. any info on this would be appreciated go get an independent consult with an orthopedic  or sports med doctor.   these docs are youth oriented, and they want you to be able to be as active as you want to be. i'm only a rn, but i beg to differ with the va. favoring one side while walking with a cane over a protracted period of time, would put a strain on l4-5.