Should I go into Sonography w/ back problems??? HELP!

Hello,

I hope I can get some insight from this post!! I was originally pre-Optometry that had applied 2x and didn't make it in.. so I then thought about Sonography school. I got in and start in a few weeks, but the more I look into this and talk to sonographers, the more I hear about the issues w/ ergonomics. I had a spinal fusion when I was 17, have regular back pain, and have a little bit of carpal tunnel. From what I hear about sonography is that the ave. career span for an ultrasound tech is now 7 years due to work related injury! (this info was given to me at the orientation!) That scared me big time. I don't want to waste the next few years of my life, and the money if I'm not going to be able to physically handle it. Any words of advice out there??? Help!! I really love the field but am I going to regret it? Not sure what area of sonography to go in. I've GOT to make my decision this week - already got the first college bill!

Thanks in advance!!!

I am in the same boat as you! Well somewhat...I got into dental hygiene program and didn't find out that my back pain would be an issue in the field until it was too late. Many dental assistants, hygienists, and dentists suffer from back problems after working on the job for a while. Me having back issues already, I figured it's a good idea to stay away from the career unfortunately. I did some research and after talking to my dentist and assistants that I knew, I decided to withdraw from my program :( Now I am absolutely lost on what to do. It is quite depressing actually. My dentist suggested sonography or radiology. I never heard of back problems arising from that field. That is why i typed it in google and your post came up. What was the decision you ended up making?????

Hello,

I just read your post.. I DID end up going into the sonography program on a BIG leap of faith! I just started this fall (and love it!). I don't start my scanning until next semester, so right now I am conditioning my body (strength training my core and my upper body), which is something very important in the field. I not only have back problems but also carpal tunnel, which is actually more of a concern in the sonography field than back pain. I'm in the middle of studying ergonomics and the statistics are quite scary! 84-90% of sonographers have on the job pain, and 20% of those end up in career-ending outcomes. Of course, they didn't put these numbers on their brochure for the program! They tell you this right away so you take good care of your body. I will admit though, I'm scared! But I've decided to completely focus on my program and do the best I can, both didactically and physically and if I'm in a lot of pain next semester or during clinicals, I'll quit (and would have to start all over w/ choosing a career). On a good note, the entire field is so aware of these problems, that there is a major shift in the way they are doing their job. For example, they are teaching you ways to be ambidextrous instead of using your dominant hand, as well as changing work stations, chairs, and the transducers you scan with to be ergonomically correct, which is helping! You can scan patients standing or sitting, but just be aware of the repetitive movements. Sonography is a great field that is in growing demand and ever changing technology advancements.
That is interesting about dental though, I've never heard of them having issues w/ back problems. Best of luck to you and let me know what you end up pursuing!