Back brace at basic

YN2(AW)Williams · 10-13-2014, 04:57 PM

What is the Navy policy on things like back braces at basic?

I had a sprain in high school, and I am concerned that if I somehow managed to sprain my back again due to a poorly executed lift that they would somehow think it was some sort of chronic issue.

CoolHandL · 10-13-2014, 05:43 PM

It seems doubtful. Be completely, totally upfront about this going through the recruiting process and let the Navy decide. You might get medical DQ or have to get waivers, but better that than to get in and have or be in trouble.

FutureND · 10-13-2014, 05:46 PM

I would be shocked if you were aloud to wear one, I'm very surprised you were even able to enlist... That is assuming you told them about it.

YN2(AW)Williams · 10-14-2014, 12:35 PM

I have not enlisted yet, but the back injury was not severe, just a sprain. I fixed it with PT years ago. I even have official documentation showing that it was a normal sprain.

I explained it to my recruiter and he said as long as there was no surgery or major injury (like an exploded disk) then it should not matter. He said to be sure to include it in the paperwork, but since it is from about 8 years ago with no further problems it should not be an issue.

LT Guppy · 10-14-2014, 03:07 PM

As someone who has had a major back injury in the navy, I'd highly advise you to seriously consider the possibilities. Count on your back getting worse not better in the navy.
Ship life can be very hard on the body, especially the back. You'll frequently be going up and down ladders, lifting heavy objects, and walking on uneven/moving surfaces.

In my personal opinion, you need to be able to work out, stand for long periods, and just get through the day without wearing a brace.

Kgard12 · 10-14-2014, 06:21 PM

My mom is a PT and when I told her about this she said she wouldn't say that requiring a back brace is "no further problems" and that if you are feeling pain still from it you should consult your doctor and possibly consider more PT as it's not healed fully/correctly.

Devereux · 10-14-2014, 10:55 PM

There is absolutely no way you'll keep that. You're gonna strip right in front of them the first night and they're gonna see that big bulky thing. And there would be no way to store it properly in your rack (it'll take up majority of your personal draw). Sorry, but there's no way you can bring it there.

10-13-2014, 04:57 PM	#1
YN2(AW)Williams ActiveDuty Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 199 Rep Power: 134	Back brace at basic What is the Navy policy on things like back braces at basic? I had a sprain in high school, and I am concerned that if I somehow managed to sprain my back again due to a poorly executed lift that they would somehow think it was some sort of chronic issue. Last edited by YN2(AW)Williams; 10-23-2014 at 03:42 PM.

10-14-2014, 12:35 PM	#4
YN2(AW)Williams ActiveDuty Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 199 Rep Power: 134	I have not enlisted yet, but the back injury was not severe, just a sprain. I fixed it with PT years ago. I even have official documentation showing that it was a normal sprain. I explained it to my recruiter and he said as long as there was no surgery or major injury (like an exploded disk) then it should not matter. He said to be sure to include it in the paperwork, but since it is from about 8 years ago with no further problems it should not be an issue. Last edited by YN2(AW)Williams; 10-23-2014 at 03:44 PM.

10-14-2014, 03:07 PM	#5
LT Guppy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,858 Rep Power: 343	As someone who has had a major back injury in the navy, I'd highly advise you to seriously consider the possibilities. Count on your back getting worse not better in the navy. Ship life can be very hard on the body, especially the back. You'll frequently be going up and down ladders, lifting heavy objects, and walking on uneven/moving surfaces. In my personal opinion, you need to be able to work out, stand for long periods, and just get through the day without wearing a brace. __________________ Officers: making simple stuff hard since 1775 ACTIVE DUTY SAILORS - Click here to have your account verified

10-13-2014, 05:43 PM	#2
CoolHandL Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 135 Rep Power: 39	It seems doubtful. Be completely, totally upfront about this going through the recruiting process and let the Navy decide. You might get medical DQ or have to get waivers, but better that than to get in and have or be in trouble.

10-13-2014, 05:46 PM	#3
FutureND Active Duty Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: California Posts: 756 Rep Power: 140	I would be shocked if you were aloud to wear one, I'm very surprised you were even able to enlist... That is assuming you told them about it.

10-14-2014, 06:21 PM	#6
Kgard12 Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 70 Rep Power: 15	My mom is a PT and when I told her about this she said she wouldn't say that requiring a back brace is "no further problems" and that if you are feeling pain still from it you should consult your doctor and possibly consider more PT as it's not healed fully/correctly.

10-14-2014, 10:55 PM	#7
Devereux Active Duty Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 41 Rep Power: 12	There is absolutely no way you'll keep that. You're gonna strip right in front of them the first night and they're gonna see that big bulky thing. And there would be no way to store it properly in your rack (it'll take up majority of your personal draw). Sorry, but there's no way you can bring it there.