Herniated Disk and Physical Demands of Nursing

Ruby Vee, BSN · Dec 28, 2016

So, I am only taking the pre-reqs to be able to apply to a nursing school.
Backtrack to a few years ago I began experiencing a very annoying pain in my lower back. However, I did not think too much about it and just let it go. Fast track to now, a recent MRI revealed I have a herniated disk in L5S1. So, here I am, at 30 years of age and with this problem. I have heard that nursing is physically demanding, which makes me now think twice before deciding to go into nursing.
I do want to be a nurse, and now thinking if I choose to proceed, what floors are less physically demanding so I do not put much strain on my already not-so-good-feeling back? Also, those of you who have similar diagnosis, what do you do to elevate the pain/treat it while you at work and home?
Thank you everyone!

What are you doing to treat your back pain? Physical therapy? Surgery? How badly does it interfere with your activities? Are you usually able to do what you want to do but have some soreness afterward, or are you limited in standing, sitting or walking?

I had an L5/S1 herniation about ten years ago -- at the time, thirty years into my career as a nurse. I tried physical therapy, but the injury was too great. I couldn't control my right leg, and walking was problematic. I had steroid injections, but when the second one left me unable to feel or control my leg, I had a discectomy. After 12 weeks of recovery and physical therapy, I was back to work and able to handle the challenges of adult ICU nursing.

There are career opportunities in nursing that are more back-friendly than others -- but most of them require experience. And you have to get through nursing school and the clinicals first. If your back injury isn't very limiting, you may be able to go through school, clinicals, and get a few years of experience before moving on to a clinic job or telephone triage or whatever floats your boat. But if you have severe limitations on standing or walking, you're probably better off considering something else.

My colleagues were most supportive of me with my various orthopedic issues; however I had already established myself as a hard worker and dependable colleague. A new nurse who comes on the floor complaining of back pain and trying to excuse her/himself from various duties because of it is probably not going to be well-liked or respected.

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 28, 2016

Have you spoken with your healthcare provider to seek treatment for your back issues? Whether that would involve therapy, injections, surgery, or a combination, it is prudent to follow your provider's suggestions or seek a second opinion. They can also advise you of any limitations (such as weight restrictions) that may be needed, and thus affect your ability to meet requirements for nursing school or for jobs. Additionally, those less physical jobs tend to be those that require bedside experience first or may be outside acute care and pay less, such as office/ambulatory settings.

FutureNurseInfo · Dec 29, 2016

What are you doing to treat your back pain? Physical therapy? Surgery? How badly does it interfere with your activities? Are you usually able to do what you want to do but have some soreness afterward, or are you limited in standing, sitting or walking?
I had an L5/S1 herniation about ten years ago -- at the time, thirty years into my career as a nurse. I tried physical therapy, but the injury was too great. I couldn't control my right leg, and walking was problematic. I had steroid injections, but when the second one left me unable to feel or control my leg, I had a discectomy. After 12 weeks of recovery and physical therapy, I was back to work and able to handle the challenges of adult ICU nursing.
There are career opportunities in nursing that are more back-friendly than others -- but most of them require experience. And you have to get through nursing school and the clinicals first. If your back injury isn't very limiting, you may be able to go through school, clinicals, and get a few years of experience before moving on to a clinic job or telephone triage or whatever floats your boat. But if you have severe limitations on standing or walking, you're probably better off considering something else.
My colleagues were most supportive of me with my various orthopedic issues; however I had already established myself as a hard worker and dependable colleague. A new nurse who comes on the floor complaining of back pain and trying to excuse her/himself from various duties because of it is probably not going to be well-liked or respected.

Thanks for replying.

I would not say my back pain is unbearable. It gets to uncomfortable point when I have to sit for more than 5 minutes. However, when I walk I do not really feel it. As far as treatment goes, I am on vacation, and will, of course, consider treatment options as soon as I get back to the States. I will do anything it takes to heal, because I would hate to give up on nursing even before I start pursuing it.

LonghornChic, BSN · Dec 31, 2016

I did clinicals in the NICU and nursery. I found that these settings are not that physically labor intensive. Might be a good place for you.

FutureNurseInfo · Dec 31, 2016

I did clinicals in the NICU and nursery. I found that these settings are not that physically labor intensive. Might be a good place for you.

Thank you very much for your response!

Those suggestions sound really nice! Actually, working with kids is my ultimate goal and NICU, nursery or peds are ideal!!!

Ruby Vee, BSN · Dec 31, 2016

Thank you very much for your response!
Those suggestions sound really nice! Actually, working with kids is my ultimate goal and NICU, nursery or peds are ideal!!!

In all likelihood, you will still have to do adult clinicals in order to get through nursing school.