Back problems and medicine

[ilyscience]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm 22 and have a lot of back problems. In 2012, I had a microdiscectomy surgery to repair a herniated disc at the L5/S1 position and 4 weeks ago I had another surgery at my L4/L5. I also broke my neck two years ago. The pain goes away after surgery/healing, but I've had a lot of issues in a short amount of time. I've had a few people tell me that medicine might not be a good career path for me, since I am limited by how much lifting I can do and needing to be careful to not instigate more back/neck problems. Ironically all these issues are what keep pushing me to pursue a career in medicine. Do you think having back problems is a red flag for med school?

 

[Transmuralmi]

I'm 22 and have a lot of back problems. In 2012, I had a microdiscectomy surgery to repair a herniated disc at the L5/S1 position and 4 weeks ago I had another surgery at my L4/L5. I also broke my neck two years ago. The pain goes away after surgery/healing, but I've had a lot of issues in a short amount of time. I've had a few people tell me that medicine might not be a good career path for me, since I am limited by how much lifting I can do and needing to be careful to not instigate more back/neck problems. Ironically all these issues are what keep pushing me to pursue a career in medicine. Do you think having back problems is a red flag for med school?

I don't think it's a red flag at all. I have had two microdiscectomy surgeries myself. I believe that the back surgeries have made me the person that I am today. I had them as part of my personal statement. I have had many interviews where I was asked about how I overcame the surgeries at such a young age. I have multiple acceptances as well.

When choosing a specialty, make sure you consider the working conditions. For instance, surgery will require you to stand for hours at a time. Interventional radiology might also be difficult because you will spend hours wearing heavy lead vests.

Otherwise, If medicine is your passion, go for it!

 

[21Rush12]

Absolutely don't let this stop you. Red flags are things like DUI/substance abuse. If with a reasonable accommodation you could meet the technical standard, this will have zero effect on your admission. The above poster has an excellent perspective and sound advice about career choice, but that is a long way off. Good luck to you!


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app

 

[scivet116]

I'm 22 and have a lot of back problems. In 2012, I had a microdiscectomy surgery to repair a herniated disc at the L5/S1 position and 4 weeks ago I had another surgery at my L4/L5. I also broke my neck two years ago. The pain goes away after surgery/healing, but I've had a lot of issues in a short amount of time. I've had a few people tell me that medicine might not be a good career path for me, since I am limited by how much lifting I can do and needing to be careful to not instigate more back/neck problems. Ironically all these issues are what keep pushing me to pursue a career in medicine. Do you think having back problems is a red flag for med school?

I have similar concerns! I have fractures at L5/S1 with chronic pain. It's mostly bearable except for standing for more than 20 minutes or so. I'm going into Vet med and surgery was a passion of mine but now I'm reconsidering it because of the long standing hours (unless I want to consider a spinal fusion, which I don't). But there are so many specialties out there that can be more accommodating! You can still love what you do even if you aren't doing your number one passion 🙂 good luck to you!


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[Mx300]

I think it will limit you as to what kind of specialty you could go into. I have back problems as well, and I know that standing for 8+ hour surgery's is out of the question, so you will need to figure out what will work for you. It shouldnt prevent you from going into medicine, there are specialties that dont require physical labor. Psy, rads, FM, Peds, etc. My advice is if its really bad then dont talk about it before your admitted, 0nce your in there is little they can do but work with you.

 

[gpphysiotherapy]

Back pain problems is common nowdays, if you spend most of your day sitting in an office chair or driving a car then you are a great risk of getting a stiff and painful back – the joints in your back love to move and the more they move the healthier they are. Get up and stretch, take a walk or at least move your body position every 30 mins – your back will thank you for it.
For back pain relief use these options that are given below it will helps you get relief at home without going to doctor:

• POSTURE
• SLEEP BETTER
• EXERCISE
• STRETCH
• MEDITATION
• YOGA

Or you can go for a physiotherapy treatment from back pain.

 

[CrunchyPeanutButter]

FWIW; I specifically used my back problems in personal statement and interviews. (Fused disc L4/L5 at 18). It’s what made me want to go into medicine.