Back Pain (Post MEPS)

[waverunner]

I have a medical question. I have passed MEPS and gotten a date for OCS for August. This pastwinter I developed back pain (we got a lot of snow up here and I was shoveling tons of it every week). I went to the doctor and he said I have sciatica. I feel pain in my lower back and a little in my right butt cheek, but not down through the leg. This is the first time this has ever happened. He prescribed an anti inflammatory that I take for 10 days and he said should take care of it, but I am now afraid that I will get DQ'd at OCS. Incidentally, my doctor used to be an officer recruiter and does not seem to think this will be an issue. He basically just said at OCS to tell them I had back pain and was prescribed an anti inflammatory drug. Does anyone know if this will be a problem? and is there anything I can do?

 

[KBayDog]

Don't sweat it.

Take care of yourself and show up to OCS healthy.

 

[MAKE VAPES]

Pulling your perfourous (sp???) muscle will do it, as will many other things.

I checked into treatment for this whilst flying 3 Air Combat Maneuvering flights a day... I had to take breaks from high-G flying to be able to walk, Flight Doc showed me the document that prevented me from ever getting the MRI. "NPQ, waiver not recommended" due to nerve involvement (do not ever say the word sciatica again). Whatever triggers it, don't do it... careful how you lift/run.

Real live Sciatica, back to past yer knee will make you want to eat a bullet.

Say zilch, zero, nada, press on, stretch and motrin when you need it.

 

[waverunner]

Thanks for the advice, Make Vapes. But aren't they going to ask me to update my medical information since my last physical once I get to OCS? Or should I just tell them I had back pain and was prescribed an anti-inflammatory drug?

I never had an MRI, so nothing was confirmed, but it is my physician's opinion.

 

[bluemarlin04]

How bad is your back pain? You may have just pulled a muscle since your not used to using it. If it really is sciatica, you'd most likely be in some serious pain and like Makevapes said, "want to eat a bullet". My friend had actual sciatica and could barely move more than a few feet without hurting. Just stretch every morning and never mention Sciatica.

 

[waverunner]

The pain is not that bad. Like I said, its in my lower back (both sides) and sometimes I get a stretched, irritated feeling in the inside of my right butt cheek. I know somebody who has sciatica and she is in a lot of pain when it gets triggered. Not sure if I should get a second opinion or not. I personally don't think its sciatica, but thats what would show up in my medical record if they checked. I only went to the doctor because the injury has nagged me for a couple months, but I've been shoveling snow and lifting stuff at work, which is probably reaggravating the injury.

 

[MAKE VAPES]

Future Interview question:
Have you been under a physicians care since your last visit?
Yes, a pulled muscle in my back from lifting snow, took motrin, it got better, hasn't happened again.

If it comes back in OCS.... so be it, Im sure you won't be the only one in pain.
This ailment will not kill you, make it impossible to land on a ship at night, drive a ship, or order supplies for a ship, only make you miserable for short periods of time, then disappear.
Repeat after me:
I WON'T EVER MENTION THE WORD SCIATICA... THE PAIN NEVER RADIATED ANYWHERE.
I WON'T EVER MENTION THE WORD SCIATICA... THE PAIN NEVER RADIATED ANYWHERE.
I WON'T EVER MENTION THE WORD SCIATICA... THE PAIN NEVER RADIATED ANYWHERE.

 

[waverunner]

I understand that. Trust me, I don't want to mention it. But I have to submit all my medical records (according to OCS website). I'm just afraid that it will say it in my medical records that this was the diagnosis.

Confused on whether I should get a second opinion from an actual orthopedist, or take my chances on this. I know an orthopedist that used to be a Navy doctor and might be able to help me out. The doctor I recently saw was a Nurse Practitioner, so I'm sure an orthopedist's opinion would override it. Like I said, I'm not going to mention the word sciatica, but its possible that it is in my medical record, and that is what I am worried about.

 

[waverunner]

Actually, it looks like this will be ok. Sorry guys, I'm not an SNA or NFO. I'm an IW officer candidate, so I don't have to worry about the Aeormedical standards. I found a list of conditions that normally qualifies for waivers. It includes - History of Neurological disorders such as back pain, surgery or asymptomatic mild Scoliosis, sleepwalking, childhood epilepsy, concussion.

I imagine its more strict for SNA or NFO due to G Forces endured in flight, which I will not have to worry about. I'll just heal, work on strengthening my back muscles, and then get a checkup by my physician for documentation that I'm in good shape. Thanks for the help though, everyone.

 

[feddoc]

Yea, you should. Let an MD say "no sciatica" and make it easy on the NAMI docs. WRT sciatica being mentioned in your medical record, if it is there, you will most likely undergo another round of questioning and maybe a consult with a neurologist. Keep in mind it is a neurological condition, not an orthopedic condition. Go here and read about it under section 10.7 http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navme...ocuments/Waiver Guide - Neurology 100305.pdf The basics of a waiver are here: "Sciatica: Return of strength (as for peroneal neuropathy) in addition to disappearance of pain (off medication) is required for waiver consideration."

I searched the entire waiver guide and only found sciatica mentioned within the Neurology section. And did not find the initials NPQ in connection with sciatica. Here is another source which allows you to search the entire waiver guide at one time looking for sciatica. http://www.chicagomarineofficer.com...NOMI Waiver Guide Complete - 22 June 2006.pdf

The other thing to consider is that if you do have sciatica, get it treated right and don't wait.

I understand that. Trust me, I don't want to mention it. But I have to submit all my medical records (according to OCS website). I'm just afraid that it will say it in my medical records that this was the diagnosis.


Confused on whether I should get a second opinion from an actual orthopedist, or take my chances on this. I know an orthopedist that used to be a Navy doctor and might be able to help me out. The doctor I recently saw was a Nurse Practitioner, so I'm sure an orthopedist's opinion would override it. Like I said, I'm not going to mention the word sciatica, but its possible that it is in my medical record, and that is what I am worried about.

UH OH, you posted whilst I was doing research....disregard.