weakness followed by severe atrophy, firstly go to your doctor, tell him your symptoms, get him to recommend a specialist, specialist will get you to undergo an MRI, from which you will be able to see if your disc injury is severe, badly pinched discs can also cause nerve damage, but usually this can be corrected. My injury like Ronnies was left to late, once the nerve has been impeded for a long period of time,total recovery wont happen, best advice is to get diagnosed as soon as you can and if you need surgery dont put it off.