1st Class Medical (Disc Hernia)
 

Has anyone ever had issues getting a first class medical with a herniated disc (protrusion) that causes lower back pain with the occasional leg tingle? No medications, and no limitations to mobility that would affect performing flight duties. Just annoying pain that gets managed with lots of stretching. The disc protrusion part is the only thing that makes me wonder if they’re gonna make me jump through hoops. Just trying to see if I should start the process ahead of time before my current medical expires. Thanks.

I have a bad C6-C7 which causes a nerve impingement with similar symptoms to my arm. No loss of mobility. Hasn’t been an issue for medical for me. Willing to bet a good percentage of us have disc issues after a certain age. Also….don’t live in fear of getting it fixed if that’s an option. No need to live in misery.

45% of people have intermittent sciatica by the time they are 50. There are things you can do to make it better - exercises, walking, McKenzie Lumbar roll, proper lifting and good BMI, but unless it is significantly limiting due to pain ir causes actual muscle weakness it shouldn’t be a problem with a flight physical.

gotcha. That’s good to know. I have a couple buddies that also have had no problem, so just trying to expand on it since the FAA AME Guide always makes it sound worst.

Just recently got the VA to accept my Hernia claim, so now I’ll be disclosing it on my next visit to the doc. Was mostly worried if it was gonna be a “Requires approval from FAA” situation and cause a potential delay.

If all you got was service connected with zero disability as a hedge against future deterioration it’s unlikely to be a problem. If you got awarded any serious disability percentage for it, they may well ask for additional information or testing and pull your record to see just what you reported to the VA.

https://i.ibb.co/R3h6wWT/C5-FEA47-D-...-E0-A53837.jpg

FWIW, this helped me with my back pain. L5/S1, bed ridden for 3 months and couldn’t even put on my socks. DR. John Sarno has 4 books. I’ve read them all but they’re all essentially the same. Just pick one and apply the principles! I was so close to getting surgery, and I had already gotten epidurals, meds, physical therapy and everything in between. I hope this may help you get over the hinderance of back pain!

I am in the same situation. Herniated disc in neck C6-C7. Was prior Air Force and required a medical waiver for my flying status. Waiver at the time required annual evaluation with flight physical and MRI/Neurosurgeon consult to evaluate. I was able to maintain a mostly pain free experience. Learned certain triggers for it (sitting on soft couches, overhead presses, ect.) and avoided them. Flare ups lasted 3-4 days of pretty good pain and limited neck movement due to soreness and were treated with muscle relaxers. Found the pills didn’t really help and I just had to wait out the 3-4 days for it to run its process and return back to normal. Air Force gave me disability for this since it was caused by a parachute landing fall accident.

When I did my class 1 medical I didn’t want to “hide” it since I am receiving disability for it. I disclosed it and basically said I am pain free and asymptomatic which is true now 99% of the time. It was no big deal with the FAA and didn’t require any kind of special issuance medical. I think the big thing with them is are you pain free in the cockpit and can manage it without medication. The occasional flare up is handled with calling out sick so I am not dealing with that in the plane. In your case, if you are having numbness or tingling in your extremities that elevates it to a higher level and may require more on the FAA side.

Best of luck and let me know if you have any other questions. Not sure where you live but AME Dr. Tom Faulkner in ATL is a great guy and would be perfect to help you navigate through this process.

How about getting an epidural steroid injection? Require SI? Or case by case….
I understand it’s a very minor procedure with long lasting, positive effect.
I fear that means long lasting, negative effect on an FAA medical…

Get ahold of the AMAS folks, whose services are covered through your ALPA dues.

I dealt with them last year to resolve an issue. They will have the best insights into what you should do, and how to deal with the FAA bureaucracy.

https://www.aviationmedicine.com/con...national-alpa/

i had 3 epidural shots due to herniated L4-L5 in 2020, reported it to my AME at six month physical, no issues no delays. I previously had protruded disc at L5-S1 for which I get disability 20%from Air Force(4 epidurals in 2011 while active duty) also no issues.
i have never seen that chart posted above, maybe my AME was doing more paperwork than I realized, but I’ve always received my ticket before leaving the office. YMMV

thanks everyone for the responses. And you reported the hernia and the exact amount of disability on your application as it shows on your VA benefits? I’ve never had epidurals, nor feel like I need them, so at least I have that going for me. But yea I have a disc protrusion on L5-S1 and getting disability for it. Been doing physical therapy recently which definitely helps.

definitely calling them. Thanks!

Ouch I can’t imagine being bed ridden for three months for this. Sorry to hear. In your case, did the FAA make you jump through some hoops as part of the 3 months down?

I had L5-S1 herniation like you describe, had PT, etc, and disclosed it (which is to say, I checked the box for “receiving disability”). Had zero issues with the FAA. Your AME probably won’t even ask about it, much less care.

Then I literally had it blowout and caused foot drop. Had epidurals, more PT, and then surgery (which resolved the foot drop immediately). Again, no issues from the FAA.

I wouldn’t sweat it.

damn I’m surprised that none of that flagged you. That’s good to know though. So definitely seems like the FAA strictly cares about how are you feeling in the current moment. As long you’re asymptomatic you’re good?…

Pretty much. I really would not worry about it based on what you’ve described here.

Bro come help me move apartments. Just lift with your legs bro, you'll be fine bro. Remember to use a jerking, twisting motion any time you lift heavy objects bro.

I've had 4 with varying results, 3 to 6 months relief. Can get up to 3 a year. Hard part is getting somebody to drive you home.

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This happened before I switched careers, I didn’t have my medical yet. I just wanted to share that there are other options if it ever comes to the point of surgery.

Yes, every 6 months I fill that out. Never been an issue. Not promising it won’t be for you, just telling you how it has gone for me. Hope you have the same experience