Hi
I am a second year PT student with a back serious injury sustained a couple of months ago in February. I actually went to ER due to bladder issues, bilateral radiculopathy and back pain. I got the MRI and it said I have two central disc herniation at L3/4 and L4/5 with mild and moderate stenosis at those two levels respectively. The doctors put me on methylprednisone and naproxen. I missed a couple weeks of classes, and took no practicals. I actually tried to finish up the spring semester but couldn't. I went for physical therapy but they just did some massage, E stim and ultrasound and showed me exercises I already knew, so I stopped going. I just did some transversus abdominis and multifidus exercises on my own. I felt better in a couple of months but still have some pain at back and legs. I tried to practice for my practicals. I was practicing lumbar and thoracic mobilizations and PIVMTs for a couple of hours and that completely flared me up. I was in alot of pain for days and couldn't sleep. Now, two weeks before the end of classes, I ended up withdrawing from all my classes and taking a medical leave. I don't know what's next for me. Should I go back to PT school next year or consider a new career path? I know how physically demanding the job is and I still have 3 more clinical to finish before I can graduate. I am only 23 years old and I don't how long I can last as a PT with this type of injury. I still have some moderate back and leg pain right now. Is it reasonable for me to stay in this profession because I know how hard it is on the back even in those with no serious back issues. Good body mechanics and strengthening can only help so much. I been a clinical last summer where I did do a lot of lifting and transfer on a daily basis. I can't imagine doing this for the rest of my life. I know once I become a PT I don't have to work at that setting. But I do have clinicals where I am required to work in settings that involves me to lift and be active. Is there any PT practicing with a serious back issue like mine? So far, I haven't met any physical therapist practicing with a serious back issue. My PT GPA is pretty good so far at 3.86. I am seriously considering other career options at this point. What is your advice?
I am a second year PT student with a back serious injury sustained a couple of months ago in February. I actually went to ER due to bladder issues, bilateral radiculopathy and back pain. I got the MRI and it said I have two central disc herniation at L3/4 and L4/5 with mild and moderate stenosis at those two levels respectively. The doctors put me on methylprednisone and naproxen. I missed a couple weeks of classes, and took no practicals. I actually tried to finish up the spring semester but couldn't. I went for physical therapy but they just did some massage, E stim and ultrasound and showed me exercises I already knew, so I stopped going. I just did some transversus abdominis and multifidus exercises on my own. I felt better in a couple of months but still have some pain at back and legs. I tried to practice for my practicals. I was practicing lumbar and thoracic mobilizations and PIVMTs for a couple of hours and that completely flared me up. I was in alot of pain for days and couldn't sleep. Now, two weeks before the end of classes, I ended up withdrawing from all my classes and taking a medical leave. I don't know what's next for me. Should I go back to PT school next year or consider a new career path? I know how physically demanding the job is and I still have 3 more clinical to finish before I can graduate. I am only 23 years old and I don't how long I can last as a PT with this type of injury. I still have some moderate back and leg pain right now. Is it reasonable for me to stay in this profession because I know how hard it is on the back even in those with no serious back issues. Good body mechanics and strengthening can only help so much. I been a clinical last summer where I did do a lot of lifting and transfer on a daily basis. I can't imagine doing this for the rest of my life. I know once I become a PT I don't have to work at that setting. But I do have clinicals where I am required to work in settings that involves me to lift and be active. Is there any PT practicing with a serious back issue like mine? So far, I haven't met any physical therapist practicing with a serious back issue. My PT GPA is pretty good so far at 3.86. I am seriously considering other career options at this point. What is your advice?