Wanting to Join, but hesitant due to Spinal injury. Advice?

[Collie]

My hubby's in.  I've always wanted to be in.  However when he was away for 9 months I really learned the magnitude of my herniated disc on my L5S1 (lowest lumbar) when I had to start carrying the heavier objects like a BBQ up a three story walk up. You truly appreciate the help of a spouse once you experience time away from each other.  I didn't even know I had this injury though we always knew I had a back issue, until I went to the doc and they didn't even know how I was walking.  I'm stubborn.  With Cortisone injections and Naproxen I'm good to go.  When I work out I'm good to go.  I can lift heavy periodically.  I've lifted my husband's rucks before, but I know there is a heck of a lot more to this then just randomly lifting rucks, especially running with them, moving them around, carrying extra gear for extended amounts of time.  Would they even consider me?  Would I even make it through basic?  Clearly only I would know that after getting my medical and maybe/maybe not being approved based on my family physician, but I'm asking for extra insight.  Do you think it could be done or know of anyone that has?  Thanks and thank you to everyone who is serving.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

I hurt my back on a jump (with army stuff strapped/hanging off me) in 1992.  Messed up my L4-L5, L5-S1 pretty good.  Herniated discs, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis (if I remember the mumbo-jumbo on the last MRI done).  I've done pretty well since then, doing all that ruck march/carry things/dig holes/run around *stuff* until 2007 when I jumped over to the Air Force; passed my aircrew medicals and fly in a sometimes rough/bouncy environment now.  I can count the times on 1 hand it has really been a 'medical issue' since I injured it.

The better I look after my abs, core strength, the better off I am.

I've been lucky, and you just might be able to serve too.  Just my  :2c: as someone who has similar problem area. 

 

[PuckChaser]

Lots of people have bad backs from working in the CF. You'll never know if you're medically fit unless you apply. Just be ready for an answer that you may not like, the people that have back injuries from stuff in the CF typically were in great shape with no previous issues. Starting off with an issue, especially one that needs periodic cortisone shots and medication may not be good for your back or the CF. Thats why we have CF recruiting system doctors. Speak to your family doctor first about it, you're going to need a letter from him/her anyways so find out if they think your back will hold up.