My Construction Career Is Over, A bit more involved than it sounds. Options

[Righteous]

I mentioned this in the Petty Complaints thread last night, but I'll go into it more deeply. I was at work yesterday (I lay pipe for a gas company) and was using a pickaxe to get through some hard ground. At one point, I lifted the pickaxe and felt my back go out. It hurt bad. The only reason I stayed on the job was because we had two new guys and needed supervision. I came home, took some ibuprophen and took it easy thinking I'd be all right today (I've been hurt before and figured it would follow suit). I woke up in more pain than I was the night before.

I'm going to the doctor tomorrow, but I already know what he's going to tell me: I can't work construction anymore. THis is the worst time I hurt my back by far. I know that if I keep going, I'll just hurt my back again and again and again and again. Now, this may not seem like much to y'all, but I've been working construction since I was thirteen. It's pretty much all I know. I'm a skilled laborer who can stand working outside or inside in the heat and the cold and I'm good at what I do. Not only this, but I had my job through my family's business, which means a lot to our household (especially since it's the only time I get to spend with my father).

Another thing that's been getting me is my family's whole "stiff upper lip" mentality. My old man tells me to "tough it out," my brother ridicules me for wanting crutches, and apparently my mother thinks ibuprophen cures everything and it's okay for me to skip school so I can lounge about and wait until tomorrow (something I wouldn't expect from her). I figure that if I'm in severe pain my most loved ones might have some sympathy. I guess I was wrong.

I know I need something new until I finish university and start a "real" career. That's not my primary concern, though; my health is. Please pray for my mobility, the pain I'm in and the hope that I won't need surgery. I hope all things work out for the best.

Thanks, you guys.

[Mata]

It sounds like an issue with the disks, from your description. That's not really muscular or skeletal, but there are exercises that can improve the situation and strengthen the supporting muscles to help prevent future injury, but you will almost certainly need a fair amount of rest before it's recovered. If nothing else helps then there are surgical options.

I'll be thinking of you today and hoping you get good news from the doctor!

[Sir Psycho Sexy]

If nothing else helps then there are surgical options.

*cue's 6 Million Dollar Man theme*