Back surgery a problem ?

Take the DOT test and find out.

 

I had pretty severe neck surgery and didn’t affect me passing a physical and getting hired.

 

You probably can get a med card ... But this business can be brutal on the back.

 

I had back surgery following an accident in '89. The only thing the medical examiners ask about is if I have any range of motion or pain problems.

If you're not on medication and if your mobility isn't affected to any large degree I don't see where your surgery would be disqualifying..

That being said, some employers will be hesitant to hire a driver with a history of back problems. They won't tell you that, they'll find another excuse not to hire you, but they're afraid of future problems that will go against their workman's comp.

 

You are right, but it does not have to be. I am going to thread drift a bit. The largest dangers from physical problems with Professional drivers are......

1. Bad posture that causes the spine to get out of alignment, <<VERY painful.
2. DVT That is caused by sitting for hours at a time while driving. I know of several cases where this has killed drivers.
3. Injury to the SI Joints. <<This is what some people call lower back pain. I have bad SI Joints and I can tell you the pain sometimes is horrid. Lower back pain can be caused by bad SI Joints, muscle pain or spinal pain. The SI joints act like body shock absorbers. You get into a bad seat or one without air ride and over time you can damage them.

I agree with @REO6205 bad backs is not really a disqualifier, however, a carrier might be reluctant to hire you!

 

The only thing the DOT doctor will know is what you tell him and what you write on the exam form. The thoroughness of the exam ranges from "at least buy me dinner first" to "is this even a real exam". Some trucking companies require you go to their doctor and pass a pre-hire DOT exam to work for them. Other trucking companies will accept any DOT exam card you show up with as long as it has some amount of time still left on it. It all depends on the company.

I'm informed there is a DEA database of ALL PRESCRIPTIONS issued. However that database is seldom consulted unless you are asking for pain medication or look like a typical pill shopper.

 

I just renewed recently, and for me, like the last exam, I was asked to touch my toes.

 

It’s not a problem,Had back surgery 20 yrs ago. Never a problem on physical. I always answer yes to the question, any surgeries? I can’t touch my toes, Lol. Usually given a choice between jogging in place, or even jumping jacks, once. More than once, I’ve stated, “ I can but rather not put any shock on my discs. “ They usually agree!!! But there’s a lot of Truckdrivers who’ve had back and neck surgeries. It’s not s problem. Hopefully the job won’t aggravate your problem. Luckily for Me it helps. Go figure.