Can You Work as a Nurse with a Herniated Disc? Here's How!

Quick Navigation

• How Does a Herniated Disc Affect Your Life and Work?
• Can You Get Disability Benefits for a Herniated Disc?
• What Symptoms Can Affect Your Ability to Work?
• Why Might You Need Physical Therapy?
• When Might Surgery Be Needed?
• What Increases Your Risk of Getting a Herniated Disc?
• Can You Still Have a Nursing Career After a Herniated Disc Injury?
• Could You Hurt Your Back Again After It Heals?
• How Can You Find a Job After Recovering from a Herniated Disc?
• Why is Networking Important for Nurses with a Herniated Disc?
• What Are Some Ways to Treat a Herniated Disc?

How Does a Herniated Disc Affect Your Life and Work?

Working as a nurse with a herniated disc can be tough because nursing is a physically demanding job. But, it's not impossible. Some nurses are able to return to work with certain restrictions, like not lifting heavy things. But, whether you can work with these restrictions depends on your boss and the specific requirements of your job.

Can You Get Disability Benefits for a Herniated Disc?

Yes, you can. A herniated disc is considered a disability. To get disability benefits, you need to meet certain criteria listed in the Blue Book. The Blue Book is like an instruction manual used by the SSA (Social Security Administration) to decide if someone qualifies for disability benefits.

What Symptoms Can Affect Your Ability to Work?

The symptoms of a herniated disc depend on how severe the injury is and where it's located on your spine. Symptoms can include losing some or all feeling or control of your arms, legs, and/or body. The most severe spinal cord injuries can affect systems that control things like going to the bathroom, breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Why Might You Need Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is like exercise for your spine. It's often the first treatment doctors recommend for herniated discs. When used alone or with other treatments, physical therapy can relieve pain just as well as surgery, but without the same risks and long-term consequences.

When Might Surgery Be Needed?

Sometimes, if other treatments aren't working, surgery might be needed. This could involve removing the damaged part of the herniated disc.

What Increases Your Risk of Getting a Herniated Disc?

There are several things that can increase your chances of getting a herniated disc. These include:

• Weight: Being overweight puts extra stress on the discs in your lower back.
• Occupation: People with physically demanding jobs have a greater risk of back problems. Doing things like lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting over and over again can also increase the risk of getting a herniated disc.
• Age: As people get older, their spinal discs start to lose their water content. This makes them less flexible and more likely to tear or rupture.

Can You Still Have a Nursing Career After a Herniated Disc Injury?

If you've been diagnosed with a herniated disc, you might have severe pain and limitations that affect your daily activities as well as your ability to work. But many nurses who have had back surgery and problems have been able to work successfully afterwards.

Could You Hurt Your Back Again After It Heals?

While surgery is usually successful in relieving pain and other symptoms associated with herniated discs, there's still a chance that the disc could become herniated again. This risk is greatest in the first few months after surgery but can happen at any time.

How Can You Find a Job After Recovering from a Herniated Disc?

If you don't need to have surgery right away for your herniated disc, you might be able to make your time off from work less of a burden. You could do this by scheduling your surgery during a time of year when your industry isn't usually as busy.

Why is Networking Important for Nurses with a Herniated Disc?

Networking is like making friends in your industry to help you reach your career goals. You can network in person, through an organization specific to your industry, or online.

What Are Some Ways to Treat a Herniated Disc?

There are several ways to treat a herniated disc. These include:

• Medication: Medicines like ibuprofen, codeine, gabapentin, and metaxalone can be used to manage pain and inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help reduce pain through exercises and stretching. It can also improve flexibility and physical function.
• Surgery: In some cases where other treatments aren't working, surgery might be needed. This could involve removing the damaged part of the herniated disc.
• Decompression Belt: One non-invasive treatment option is using a decompression belt. The belt works by providing traction and decompression to the spine, which can help relieve pressure on the spinal discs. This treatment option is risk-free and can be easily integrated into your daily routine.

In conclusion, while working as a nurse with a herniated disc can be challenging, it is possible with the right treatment and accommodations. Always talk to your doctor for personalized advice.