I have 2 herniated disk in my lower back and I can now longer do squats or even hack squats but have no problems doing leg presses.

My issue now is, I can leg press (Twenty) 45lb plates for 8 clean reps. I've maxed out the machine at worlds gym but my legs are only 29" each. I'm 6'2" 238 lbs. I was thinking about trying lighter weight for higher reps but I would hate to loose what little size is there now. this is just pissing me off because there are guys there with huge legs only pressing 16 plates. I wish I could do squats again! Everything else grows. They look great but just too small compared to my upper body.