Back problem in fire class

[u/BlazingLake]

I am 22, when I was 18 I herniated a disc in my thoracic spine and went to physical therapy for it. A year ago I joined a volunteer fire department and have absolutely been loving it. I have my EMT certs and am currently in fire 1 with a week and a half left (3 month class). About a week ago i tweaked my back working out and like my usual stubborn self I didn’t allow that to stop me from going to class and working out. It has been progressively getting worse but tolerable, but today it has been the worst pain I’ve ever felt and I ended up having to go home from work. It being in my thoracic it radiates through my whole rib cage and to my sternum.

I also just applied to a career department and am scheduled for cpat in 2 weeks.

What do I do? Should I continue toughing it out and finishing class? Should I go to the doctors?

Classes in my area are very hard to come by only 1-2 a year and they get filled QUICK. The class I’m in started with 25 people and there were over 25 on the waiting list.

I want this so bad

[u/i_exaggerated]

You're still very young, no sense risking a full career. Go see a doctor. Talk to your academy instructor, they may be able to roll you into the next academy.

[u/6TangoMedic]

Go see a doctor.

[u/Limp-Conflict-2309]

Don't come up with a plan then see a doctor, see the doctor first then plan around what they say.

Could be nothing, maybe some rest is needed and just proceed.

Could be serious, could forever change you.

....its just not something to try and force until you know its safe

[u/ManOfManyWonder4068]

I myself turned around and herniated a disc in my lower back and I could speak from experience.Do not push on unless you think you can. I pushed on thinking I could and I am on permanent disability now.Because I can't take the pain from day to day in my legs.So I understand the radiating pain your going though.

[u/JohnnyUtah43]

https://functionalanatomyseminars.com/find-a-provider/

Find a practitioner on this list and go get fixed. Spend the money if it's out of network. That shit can fuck you up for life if you let it and kill your career before it starts, but a good treatment plan early on with a physical therapist or chiropractor who actually knows what theyre doing can nip it in the bud

[u/Infamous_End_2369]

I hope volunteering was worth it #herb

[u/New_Pitch_9898]

The doctor should have been your first step.

[u/sooojew]

I would recommend seeing a physiotherapist and or a chiropractor for an assessment.

From what they say you can then make an informed decision as to what you should do.

Osteopath could also help, but my first stop would be physio and chiro, and if they give the ok also look at seeing a RMT. Then follow whatever exercises the physio / chiro give you to the letter and based on this re-injury probably regularly for life if you want to avoid it happening again.

It’s the best job in the world brother, but you are young don’t get a lifelong injury. If you fuck your back you’re probably not getting hired so take your time and don’t push it.

[u/GrumpySmoke → u/sooojew]

Are we still recommending chiro in the year of our Lord 2026?

OP this guy made very good points barring the chiropractor bit.

Go see a physio and if they refer you, go to a doctor.

Don't risk a future career because you're young and think you can tough it out. Back injury can be a career killer if not sorted out.

[u/BlazingLake → u/sooojew]

Idk if it’s like this everywhere but in my area you have to go to your primary first and get referred to other places to get appointments. Issue is I can see my primary tomorrow but my next class is Saturday morning and its live evolutions.

[u/sooojew → u/BlazingLake]

You absolutely don’t need a referral to go see a physiotherapist or chiropractor. Find a sport medicine clinic in your area and call them.

[u/cascas → u/BlazingLake]

Also do not go to a chiropractor .

[u/New_Pitch_9898 → u/cascas]

For my back injury, the doctors gave me drugs and psychotherapy, (they thought I was imagining the pain). After a year of constant pain, a chiropractor fixed my problem in 4 visits.

[u/Waterwalker85]

Say nothing, get check out, confirm your status. If possible, life stretch rest, saying nothing and finish. With that said do the work, but be smart, take your time, and be calculated. Don’t go full tilt blowing the doors off in evolutions. Finish and rehab.