Back Problems

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by THX, Sep 22, 2011.

  1. THX

    THX Bobtail Member

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    Sep 4, 2011
    Florida
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    I've got a couple of bulging discs in my lower back and a herniated disc in my neck from a car accident a few years ago. Doctors say I'm too young for any surgery. Looking to go to trucking school here soon. Don't have any work restrictions and just had a DOT physical done and got a 2 year medical card. Will companies have a problem with my back?
     
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  3. THX

    THX Bobtail Member

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    Sep 4, 2011
    Florida
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    Anyone????
     
  4. ThePaleRider

    ThePaleRider Bobtail Member

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    Sep 18, 2011
    gj colorado
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    don't say anything.if you know u can drive then drive.if the doc has set you free and u have a med card and can pass the company physical,i'd leave it at that.im sure someone will come here and tell u to spill the beans.but then you will be cutting your own throat.if u passed the dot physical then you should have no problems with the company one.
     
  5. 123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    It would be the last occupation I'd want,

    if I had back problems..........
     
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  6. heyns57

    heyns57 Road Train Member

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    near Kalamazoo Speedway
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    One of my employers required a back x-ray. They turned down a job applicant that I thought would make an excellent driver. The applicant was an older man with general deterioration of the spine due to aging. I convinced the employer that the x-ray proved the applicant's condition existed prior to hiring. He was hired and we worked together for several years until he found a better job.

    That employer was a beer distributor concerned about back injury to route drivers. My friend and I were road drivers for the company.
     
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  7. whosedog

    whosedog Medium Load Member

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    Mar 18, 2009
    fair lawn nj
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    Do you have any pain in your back? If yes get those discs repaired before you go OTR.Sitting all day long is not good for your back.You'd be better off in a job that required standing or walking.
     
  8. THX

    THX Bobtail Member

    19
    3
    Sep 4, 2011
    Florida
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    I have a little bit of pain in the mornings when I first get out of bed. I can bounce around all day on a farm tractor with no problems. The only thing that really makes it hurt a lot is running, so I avoid that. I sit in front of a computer all day as, is. As far a getting it fixed, Im in my 20s so surgeons don't recommend surgery unless it becomes so bad I cant tolerate it. I passed the DOT physical without any problems a few days ago. I just wanted to know if anyone has first hand experience with this since the few recruiters I talked to coulndt give me an answer besides it's up to our doc when you do our physical. Dont want to spend $$$ on school to find out no one will take me, know what i mean? oh yeah i have no work restrictions.
     
  9. Marksteven

    Marksteven Road Train Member

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    Bumble Fxxx
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    If you get stuck doing a hand unload which requires alot of bending over and picking up boxes and stacking them, you might really do your back some serious damage.
    Like others have said, trucking is not very lower back friendly.
     
  10. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Tennessee
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    Many trucking jobs you don't touch the freight. You hire lumpers. If you can bend over and squat, you'll be okay. It'll catch up with you around 40 or so. The shots help some temporarily, but not all. Avoid surgery if you can. They messed my mom and a good friend up with surgery.

    My back been hurt since 2004. It didn't bother me bad until a couple years ago. I have a hard time walking now but I have other problems too. So yes, it will get worse, but usually with lack of excercise and increase in weight which truck driving brings to most..
     
  11. Dryver

    Dryver Road Train Member

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    Sioux Falls, SD
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    If I owned a company and I knew you have a back problem and because of the workmans comp there is no way I would hire you. The truth may hurt but they are the facts.
     
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