disc prolapse L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1

[kinactive]

As an individual who works day in and day out with back pain, I would have to say that yes, your job is likely going to put significant stress on your back. Yes, it would be ideal to change career tracks. No, this is not your ONLY solution. There are plenty of exercises and therapies that can keep your back strong and help you stay pain free for a prolonged period of time - I personally will be going on 5 years since my car accident that left me with 2 disc prolapses and one possible herniation. The key is maintenance. A properly trained back and core can handle almost any load you put on it, and if you can find a well trained physio that can tailor you a proper regime to protect your back, you should be able to do anything you want. Yes, there are always people who never fully recover, but going in fearing that is setting yourself up for failure - the strongest predictor of success in therapy is the belief that you will get better. Research has proven that time and time again. Get the proper physio program and you will likely get better. To ensure future success, get connected to a kinesiologist afterwards to work out a maintenance program that will ensure you don't get re-injured.

Therapy has a much higher success rate over surgery, and any orthopaedic surgeon worth their degree will tell you this also. Good luck with your situation!

K

Healthy Pain Free Lifestyle

[Gembob]

Milesy

I am 26 and currently being treated for L5/S1 disc prolapse plus the four above protruding. I understand that you feel your job may put pressure on your back.
However,
My back was actually damaged from an office job I did when I was 16!
I am a manager of a care home for older people, and I have worked in care for the last seven years. As somebody with back trouble, I feel very strongly about lifting and my staff never lift. I have actually formally disciplined staff who I have caught lifting! I'm sure if you explained to your employer about your situation they would also reassure you that, if you follow procedure, you will not risk further damage. If your employers are expecting you to lift then you have the right to refuse. I'm sure you're aware of the Manual Handling Operations Act and which maneouvres are illegal.

If you stay positive, you will find you feel a lot better

[chuckles]

Hi Milsey, I was delighted to find this thread as i am in the same postion I'm 26 and out of work for nearly a yr (unpaid since Oct) i'm going for surgery but I'm afraid of going back to work because I also work in care of the elderly. I'm wondering did you return to work? and if so how has it affected your back? I really appreciate feedaback on this as I'm currently in caught between a rock and a hard place both with my back and my finances. Thank you.