The week my back finally gave out on a big job in Phoenix

Last week was a nightmare. I was on a 3000 square foot office install in Phoenix, all commercial grade carpet tile. The client wanted it done in three days, which is tight but doable. Day two, I'm moving a 150 pound roll of cushion by myself because my helper called in sick, and I felt this pop in my lower back. I had to finish the day just kneeling and cutting, which was brutal. The next morning I could barely stand up straight. Had to call a buddy to finish the job for me, and I lost half my pay on it. I've been doing this for 15 years and always thought I was tough enough to push through. Anyone else had a back injury that made them change how they work?

2 comments

2 Comments

hall.alex9d ago

How many times have you pushed through pain before this happened? I see it as your body finally sending a bill for all those times you ignored it. Being tough isn't about lifting everything alone, it's about knowing when to stop so you can keep working tomorrow. That pop was a warning you can't afford to miss again.

allen.william9d ago

Guess you found out the hard way that 150 pounds doesn't care how tough you are.