Past back injury - Impact on trucking jobs?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by jimbo29, Sep 23, 2008.

  1. jimbo29

    jimbo29 Bobtail Member

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    I injured my back in 1999. Herniated disc L4/L5. Went to a chiropractor for treatment and life returned to normal. Still go to the chiro at times to keep things in line but don't have any major back issues at this time and no lost time from work. Never needed surgery or major treatments.

    My question is, after reading on a couple sites that back injuries can impact your ability to land a truck driving job, would this past injury have ANY negative impact getting a job with a decent trucking company?

    Thanks for your replies.

    Jimbo
     
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  3. ssbowles

    ssbowles Heavy Load Member

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    I herniated L4-L5 and ruptured L5-S1 in '99 and had surgery....hasn't been a problem with me at all. Some companies will want to see a doctor's full release, some may want you to be seen by their doctor. But it shouldn't be a problem.
     
  4. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    Why even tell them? A heriated disc is a very common occurrence and since you had no surgery then you're just like alot of other people. Back problems are numerous and cost companies alot of money that's why they ask. But if you tell them you had a problem like this and then have something really ligit you'll be labeled with having a prior condition. Besides that how do you know you even had a heriated disc? If there was an MRI then there's proof but if a chiropractor or even a doctor just told you then there's absolutely no proof you had any disc damage and you could have had a pulled muscle.
     
  5. Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

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    My hubby's got a pair of herniated discs in the same spot, and it hasn't held him back. He's honest about it, especially since he has a disability rating. He hasn't had any real problems since he started driving either.
     
  6. jimbo29

    jimbo29 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the advice everyone. It's pretty clear that its not a big deal. Just wanted to be sure before I made any moves and spent any money.
     
  7. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    It could be a big deal if it's documented anywhere. You said you injured your back, did you go out on workmans comp? If it is documented then you'll be very wise to tell the truth if asked on a job application. Being caught lying on the app. is far worse than having a prior back problem.
     
  8. jimbo29

    jimbo29 Bobtail Member

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    It was a workers comp injury, but as I said, no lost time from work. Just some visits to the chiropractor.

    I definitely wont NOT list it as a past injury and wouldnt have a problem getting a doctor to verify that it isnt a major problem.

    Honesty is typically the best policy.
     
  9. Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

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    As long as you're honest, it shouldn't be a big deal. My hubby's is documented as his was work comp, but he missed a lot of work for his. He hasn't even really been asked about it.
     
  10. killerq123

    killerq123 Bobtail Member

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    I was involved in a an Acc. where I was rearended and have an open or pending case yet to be sttled, I had an MRI and didnt reviel heriation I think they called it disc pertrusion. Will this be a problem, I wasnt planning on telling them....If I pas the dot phys. whats the deal?
     
  11. ssbowles

    ssbowles Heavy Load Member

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    If you had an MRI done, that means that it's on record, so I would be honest and up-front about it. Better to be turned down than to lie to them and they catch you.
    Also, if it's an open case, this may be a stumbling block as well, I'm not sure. The companies may see it as "what might be" until it is settled and your "condition" is stable. However, I'm no attorney, and I don't play one on tv....just my opinion.
     
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