Sciatica from My Job

Well, it didn't disappear completely, it recurred off and on for say about four years but never as bad as the first episode, until recently. Three days ago i went for a bike ride as i enjoy cycling and its a great form of exercise for me that i look forward to each day, but last Tuesday as i was getting off the bike, i found it agonizing and impossible to straighten up afterwards for at least a half hour. I ended up taking the day off work and the next day as my job involves working with machinery and standing in the one spot for hours on end. I knew that going to work would just exacerbate the pain. I have a feeling that my job does indeed contribute to the symptoms as i feel it most frequently when i have stood for those hours in work in virtually the same position, save for taking one step forwards and one step back and taking steps form side to side as well.

Well that's my story and i'm sure that what i am experiencing is nothing compared to some of you guys and i appreciate this, but my main concern is that i cannot afford not to work at my job, as i have many responsibilities, but am wondering if doing this job will lead to huge health problems down the line. (i'm not getting any younger!) - Elisabeth