Spine Injury from car crash. Would I be making a mistake getting into trucking?

Don't do it . 30 plus years old , no pain YET.
Give it about 20-25 years , you 'll feel the pain . In my opinion . Get a CDL if you must but it will definitely not help your back at all.

 

My take on it from having been there with 3 fully ruptured disk and 2 partial ruptures when I was 34 is do the surgery. The younger you are the easier it is to heal. I had mine done and was back to work as a heavy equipment mechanic and driver in six months post-op. Since then, at 62, I have been pain free with no limitations due to my back.

 

Trucking will....over time....give you a chronically chapped butt...

-- L

 

I was a subject for a artificial disc replacement using lab cultured cartilage disc. They replaced the 3 ruptured and used sutures on the others.

 

Workers Compensation, they had no choice. And I'm with you, there is no way I was getting a fusion. Two friends had them done and they are pretty much crippled now.

 

First, what’s the long term prognosis on your injury. Back to normal in time or a lifetime disability?

Reason I ask is because if it’s something you’re going to be dealing with the rest of your life I’d stay right where you are and look into getting full disability benefits. You may not need narcotics now but 10 years from now you might be suffering. Something you need to talk about with your physician.

Back to your question..You would be best looking into doing dry van. The most work I do is open the trailer doors once or twice a week. I don’t stand in lines like you would doing reefer.

You could even get yourself a handicap placard and park upfront at truck stops which would cut down on some walking.