As some know from my previous posts, I'm hopefully coming off Medical in January, as I'm ready and chomping at the bits to get back out and make a living for my family... That being said, I've had a few folks tell me any type of neck surgery automatically disqualifies me, which I don't ever recall being a case/can not find much information otherwise on the interwebs. I had a few screws, 2 spacers, and a plate put into my neck after I went down in Cartersville, GA while handling a slinky load (more specifically I had tarps on my shoulder when I went down, was misdiagnosed as a stroke first, then a TIA, then later on (after my insurance had conveniently lapsed) found the real problem being some of my vertebrae (c4, c5). Fast forward to late October, I finally had my surgery done, and now I'm to the point where my weight restrictions are steadily rising, and I've gotten to the point where I have no issues or pain what-so-ever moving my neck/head with full articulation. Lifting weight from the ground, chest to head, or over my head have resulted in no pain or discomfort either. I'm not worried about getting back into the saddle, as it were, just more worried about running into any fubar situation that may arise at orientations or whatnot, and I'd rather not have a repeat of this lovely neck decoration I've sported. Any insight is appreciated. One thing I have learned from this experience that I would like to pass onto other drivers is simply put, don't be stubborn like I was, I went on and on until my body said "nope". If you sense a problem, get it checked out.
Dont see any issue since you are healed and can move your melon side to side. That's the biggest issue with neck fusion. I would tell employer "10' tall and bullet proof again" That's how I described myself after spinal fusion,,only company has 40lb lift limit on my record which is just fine with me
Thanks Jazz. I don't claim to know everything, I share info when I can where it's helpful, but even on topics like this, I guess I worry because I'm ignorant, as it's never really happened before.
I work with two guys that have had necks repaired, lots of screws and plates. There may be company restrictions but not dot.
I would not worry about it. I don't know how many employers ask me if I have a Ow. I tell em ha. Hired. (To paraphrase..) I have many ows now for which medicines take care of that but surgery will not be able to. Although I am fixing to have a systematic MRI later in the '18 where we will learn what is possible or not. That one is going to be a very expensive scan. A few hours worth at 15000 per hour roughly plus staff billing. Range of motion is one thing you have to have for trucking. If you got it and can do it? go for it. I don't recall any doctor or employer that cared about other medical problems that potentially could interfere with driving in my time. You simply took care of the ow back then. For my part I carried a growing cyst mass in C5 for about 8 years of trucking until they had to cut it out. When they did and revealed the extent of C5 damage that also involved 4 and 6 later xrays survey showed that damage largely taken care of however I have other issues now. *Shrugs.
If you can pass a DOT physical, you're good to go. Look at Freymiller and their "Restore Program" which is for drivers with a gap in driving. Then look at Titan Transfer and Abilene Motor Express. They both hire drivers with a gap in driving.
I had back surgery a year ago. It took a little time but eventually I was able to go back to driving with no restrictions.
If you have neck problems get it taken care of for safeties sake, when you can not turn the head quickly it may get you in a jam.
You should be OK, just watch yourself in regards to slipping and falling. I would recommend boot chains if you are up north in this weather, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002C49THW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I would also walk away from flats, and go with a dry van or reefer. Watch your diet and use vitamin supplements to help keep your body in good shape, stay away from bread and sugar. And ask your doctor about exercises for your neck and upper back. Those stretch bands may be a good idea, you want to keep your neck strong and surrounding muscles. Neck injuries are nothing to mess with. I used to work in Orthopedic surgery as a scrub nurse. I have seen more than a few broken necks.
