Herniated Disk and Possibly DDD

[Redman]

I have a herniated disk in my lower back, and I may have Degenerative Disk Disease. I understand that this will be closely examined and scrutinized, and that I may have some trouble with it when trying to get hired.

Do you think it's a complete career buster that will stop me from getting hired?
Or would you just consider it a hurdle?

I received physical therapy and it has really helped. I rarely feel lower back pain. Hopefully I can mitigate the situation by showing that it was resolved with just some physical therapy and no surgery or injections were required.

[Citicop]

I have a herniated disk in my lower back, and I may have Degenerative Disk Disease. I understand that this will be closely examined and scrutinized, and that I may have some trouble with it when trying to get hired.

Do you think it's a complete career buster that will stop me from getting hired?
Or would you just consider it a hurdle?

I received physical therapy and it has really helped. I rarely feel lower back pain. Hopefully I can mitigate the situation by showing that it was resolved with just some physical therapy and no surgery or injections were required.

I think it will vary depending on the specifics of the disease and the department in question. I don' think it will be an auto DQ everywhere, based on what you wrote.

To give yourself a GENERAL idea of how badly it will effect you, ask yourself this question:

"Will an impartial doctor be willing to state that the condition will not adversely effect my performance of any possible police related duties?"

If the answer is "Yes," then you are probably okay.

If the answer is "No," on the other hand...

Citicop.

[CTDL92]

I really wouldn't worry about it. I have had back surgery as a result of a herniated disc while I was on the job. Degenerative disc disease isn't necessaarily a bad thing, pretty much everyone has it to some degree. If therapy has worked for you and you are capable of performing job tasks then it shouldn't be a problem.

[CTUCop]

I had two back operations since being hired. The second was a fusion. The state thinks I'm still good for patrol, but I was in the military reserve after the second and they wouldn't let me re-up.

I can't answer the part about being hired after having one.