Will having herniated discs (and other back problems) at 20yrs old prevent me from staying in the army?

2019-11-26T06:02:18-05:00

Just a little background information, I enlisted in the army national guard at 17. Currently I am a cadet, but have not yet been contracted to become an officer. I am now 20, and I have just gotten my MRI results back which says the following about my discs....

L4-L5- minimal diffuse disc bulge
L4-L5- small central disc protrusion indents the thecal sac.
mild spinal canal stenosis.
L5-S1- small central disc protrusion

Seeing the results honestly scared me. I plan to stay in the army for at least 20 years, and I also plan to become an officer. I guess I’m worried that this could prevent me from getting contracted to become an officer, and staying in for 20 years. I would like opinions on this situation, and if you’ve ever been in a similar one, please share. I know life doesn’t always work out the way you want it to, but I would be devastated if I couldn’t continue my military service.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2019 10:05 AM

2019-11-26T10:05:10-05:00

Here is what DoDI 6130.03, dated 30 Marh 2018 states about the spine:

a. Ankylosing spondylitis or other inflammatory spondylopathies.
b. History of any condition, in the last 2 years, or any recurrence, including but not limited to the spine or sacroiliac joints, with or without objective signs, if:
(1) It prevents the individual from successfully following a physically active avocation in civilian life, or is associated with local or radicular pain, muscular spasms, postural deformities, or limitation in motion;
(2) It requires external support;
(3) It requires limitation of physical activity or frequent treatment; or
(4) It requires the applicant to use medication for more than 6 weeks.
(5) It causes one or more episodes of back pain lasting greater than 6 weeks requiring treatment other than self-care.
c. Current deviation or curvature of the spine from normal alignment, structure, or function if:
(1) It prevents the individual from following a physically active avocation in civilian life;
(2) It can reasonably be expected to interfere with the proper wearing of military uniform or equipment;
(3) It is symptomatic; or
(4) There is lumbar or thoracic scoliosis greater than 30 degrees, or thoracic kyphosis greater than 50 degrees when measured by the Cobb Method.
d. History of congenital fusion involving more than 2 vertebral bodies or any surgical fusion of spinal vertebrae.
e. Current dislocation of the vertebra.
f. Vertebral fractures including but not limited to:
(1) Any cervical spine fracture.
(2) History of fracture of lumbar or thoracic vertebral body that exceeds 25 percent of the height of a single vertebra or that has occurred within the last 12 months or is symptomatic.
(3) A history of fractures of the transverse or spinous process if currently symptomatic.
g. History of juvenile epiphysitis with any degree of residual change indicated by X-ray or
Scheuermann’s kyphosis.
h. History of uncorrected herniated nucleus pulposus associated with any treatment, symptoms, or activity limitations.
i. History of surgery to correct herniated nucleus pulposus other than a single-level lumbar
or thoracic diskectomy that is currently asymptomatic with full resumption of unrestricted activity for at least 12 months.
j. Spinal dysraphisms other than spina bifida occulta.
k. History of spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis, congenital or acquired.

If your current spinal issues fall within these realms, then you may be disqualified. My recommendation is that you take your MRI results, speak with a military medical provider and your Cadre. They will be the SME's and provide you the best information.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Nov 26 at 2019 10:48 AM

2019-11-26T10:48:21-05:00

I fought with back pain caused by herniated discs the last 3-4 years of my career. Sciatica is a hell of a thing. Near the end I was lucky enough to have access to a chiropractor and a good physical therapy clinic to get me past the 20 year mark.
Keep your core strength up, keep your waistline lean and avoid the things that aggravate the condition when you can. Yoga can help, but make sure you find someone who really knows what they are doing to teach you.
Good luck.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Nov 26 at 2019 11:20 AM

2019-11-26T11:20:50-05:00

I had back issues after a training accident at Quantico. I had planned to go USMC, as you can see that didn't work out. Had an absolute blast in the Navy. My point is have a fall back plan.

The issue becomes does your back issue prevent you from physically doing the job required of you. If the answer is yes, then you are going to have problems. If the answer is no, then you should be fine, and you need to focus on keeping your back healthy.

A couple of things I found out the hard way after much pain:
1) Stretch your hamstrings. Took many chiropractors to help me figure out that the hammies are really important.
2) Do yoga core strengthening stuff. It really does work. Look anywhere online for a routine. Do it religiously.
3) Stay on the light side. I lifted weights a lot, and it added mass. Probably not smart. Stay lean.
4) See a chiropractor regularly. They should be authorized, and in the military health system. You don't have to pay out of your pocket, like I did...
5) Look into some alternative supplements. I use aloe vera juice and numeric to keep inflammation down. Really wish I had heard about this when I was your age.

Response by 2LT Gerald Dominy made Nov 27 at 2019 11:15 AM

2019-11-27T11:15:10-05:00

Once in they can gradfather you in..but when you reach 30% rating your barred from enlistment with that condition..i tried to re-up in 07 when they raised the enlistment age..denied. i am service connected with same injury..trust me. Pt will be murder on that ... tread carefully and get informed before doing anything.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2019 3:21 PM

2019-11-28T15:21:40-05:00

I was a consultant on neurosurgery though I am only a nurse. I studied lots of clinical articles the doctors write, and went to their conferences. I also had a slipped disc before I enlisted, and have a sort of similar problem as you now in my neck the last few years, and have had some treatment for it by a very good spine specialist. My first year in the Navy, ortho doctors on the ward looked at my xrays and said, from what we see, we cannot even tell if you are in pain. Since they liked me they said if you report pain, we will recommend your not being suitable for combat positions. I did not take them up on it.
None of your diagnoses indicate any evidence that anything is already pinching any nerves. If you do not take care of it, it could get worse. Posture, not slouching, walking upright, not often looking down at a cell phone or computer, will all strength your core inner back muscles that keep the spine in good shape. It is not as important to build muscles that you can feel and see. Don't do sit-ups more than you have to - though that builds muscle, it can also strain the core muscles. Some instructors teach Pilate exercises - very good for core muscles. Ask a doc if you can get some training from a physical therapist. See these instructions https://uhs.princeton.edu/sites/uhs/files/documents/Lumbar.pdf from Princeton University Athletic Medicine

Lumbar.pdf

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