On 5-15-09 EE was unloading coal, bending over swinging a sledge hammer to open unloading door when he felt a pain in lower back. After continued pain, was seen by our dr 5/21/09, given pain meds & released to full work. 5/22/09 his condition worsened & he began to experience severe pain down rt leg. Seen in ER 5/23 & 5/25/09. 5/26 his work status was listed as totally disabled.