Thanks, but I have had 2 surgeries for ruptured discs. My last mri showed I have degeneration of my discs. It's hereditary. As I get older the walls of my discs get thinner which makes it easier for them to rupture under load. I do lots of core plus inversion multiple times a week to combat the compression.

Hmm.. I have ankle issues and cant back squat.... The front Squat and Romanian deadlift are great for legs... Front squats take pressure off the lower back and place it on the quads while the RDL put emphasis on the glutes and hams(biceps femoris) Other than that, you can leg press(horizontal) using different feet placements etc, legs curls, glute ham raises, leg extensions, lunges/step ups. There are many things that can build big legs if you have pain. Just remember to research proper form if you don't know, or ask!

Guys whenever we have conditions we should seek trained professionals advice, such as physicians and coaches/trainers. I think it's the best way to avoid further injuries with improper form or exercises-techniques we should avoid. bb.com and other resources are great for self-training but they start from a medical conditions scratch point and can't consider indivdual differences. Just my opinion here ;) Love & Light

^^^ this. Sorry to hear about your condition, redeemedtat2

i have learned to realize my limitations. i will never be able to heavy squat or deadlift again, but that doesn't hinder me from being in the gym. bodhiflute has a good point here, the assumption was that i was using poor form and have a weak core.