Posted on Mar 24, 2021

What should I do if my chain of command isn’t taking my profile seriously?

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Last month i’ve gotten on profile because i’ve been having sharp stiffness throughout my back for more than 5 months. I’ve gotten a referral to see a chiropractor and i’ve been going to pt that was specifically for people on profiles. I’ve gotten prescribed muscle relaxers which haven’t been helping. But recently my chain of command especially my platoon sergeant have been downplaying on my back problem and saying i’ve been milking it, along with saying that it’s just a boo boo and not an actual injury, explaining that i’m not even hurt. I’m only 20 years old and the simplest things would make my back hurt for days. My profile says not to be carrying or lifting more than 10 pounds but my leadership would force me to do it anyways. We went to a field recently and I asked them if I could just pack the materials I needed into a smaller pack so it wouldn’t exceed more than 10 pounds and they refused to. We also have a field coming up soon, and they want me to reschedule my appointment just so we can go to a 3 day field even though I’m not an essential and what we would be doing would break my profile. I don’t know what to do

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Profiles

Women in the Military

Posted >1 y ago

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Responses: 14

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Lt Col Jim Coe

Posted >1 y ago

I recommend three things:
-Use your unit first sergeant's open door time to meet with him or her and discus the problem. First sergeants often mentor more junior sergeants. Be prepared with paperwork and specific instances when your PSG asked you to violate your profile.
-Talk to your medical provider (doctor or nurse practitioner) who diagnosed the problem or issued the profile. They can talk with your unit commander if necessary to emphasize the need to support your following the provider's instructions.
-Do your best to follow all of the medical service's orders. Don't blow off restrictions or medication when the problem starts to get better, but isn't cured. Work hard at physical therapy. Keep a positive attitude.

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SGT (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

As on who suffers from back injuries I've found that exercising in heated pools help and back massages do wonders. So if there is no heated pool on post then ask that you be sent out into the community to PT folks with such a setup. In fact in a few hours that is where I will be. Exercising in the pool then walking on the treadmill in the pool. I get the exercise in without the strain on my back if I did it out of the pool.

I miss my weekly massages though. Hopefully my therapist will be back up and working again soon.

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CPT (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

There is a lot going on here. A profile shouldn't last that long without it being adjusted. Your providers shouldn't be letting this happen. A temporary profile should be there to aid in the recovery process. If you are not recovering then what is the point of the profile? You should be looked at for a possible medical separation. You shouldn't be going to the field or missing appointments. The issue that you are facing is that the providers at your clinic may just be hoping it resolves itself while you may need to be assessed at a higher level. Your PSG doesn't see you getting anymore care so they assume that you don't need it and that you are fine. I would try to get an appointment with your provider to adjust your profile and discuss your future in the Army.

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SFC Randy Hellenbrand

Posted >1 y ago

Chain of command first. Follow the regulations. Then, if needed see a Chaplin. If you really need to, go on leave and see a civilian doctor in the emergency room. Just tell him you have severe back pain-which is the truth. Because that way Uncle will cover the bill and you get a non military second opinion. If it is a bad problem, go for a separation with a disability. You will probably need one of those remf's from Jag. (Rear echelon- you figure out the last 2 yourself) Bottom line is that you're not doing anybody any good and actually you would be a danger to yourself and others if your back is badly messed up.

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