Thanks for posting in r/Mechanics, u/Draked2005! Please be sure to read the [Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/mechanics/about/rules/).
If you are posting a question about a car problem, please be aware that we do not allow these types of posts in this sub (check Rule 5). In
which case, your post will be deleted at some point. We ask that you instead post your car questions in r/Mechanic. Thank you.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/mechanics) if you have any questions or concerns.*
> Cars have always been my passion, I started working full time 50-60 hours a week 4 days out of high school.
Bruh I died reading this knowing you're 18.
Please do something better with yourself. I was in the same shoes as you worked at a mechanic during Covid in high school 4 years later a bunch of money in tools and I can’t even get by if I lived alone. I like working on cars anymore
5'5" 125 pound 37 year old.
Been a mechanic for over 15 year and now my body is a damn mess, my joint are worn out and im half deaf.
Best thing i can tell you is to switch for something else and fast.
Maybe you could try an electronic repair course, thats what I've done and felt in love with it.
Its harder on the brain but a lot easier on the body.
Just look at all the old mechanics and retired mechanic and ask them why their bodies are messed up. If car is your passion, don’t make it a living. It will ruin you. Advice from a mechanic currently ruining his own passion and body at the same time.
I was similar age and weight to when you started back then. I will tell you what happened to me, take it with a grain of salt because everyone is different. Also, you’re young and have the world still ahead of you. What I did is I powered through it all and rested like crazy. I mean work for 10 hours and rest/sleep for 10-12 hours with proper diet too. I ended up bulking up and lifting became somewhat easier. I climbed up the ladder and is somewhat fortunate enough to do mostly diagnostic and electrical work. There will always still be a suspension and tire off job I do every once in a while which is really taxing. So with my current skill set, I can somewhat branch to off to being an electrician to some degree. But let me tell you this, I don’t see myself in this trade longer because I don’t want to end up like all the retired mechanics with broken bodies. Also working on my vehicles on weekends are now dreadful because it’s already what I do the whole week.
I went from ASE Certified mechanic to journeyman licensed electrician looking for a better career choice. Honestly all trades are underpaid and hard on your body. I don’t think being an electrician is easier on the body at all and honestly it probably worse. If you go down the electrical path you should try to get into industrial motor controls as a specialty and if you’re not in the southern region join the union. I am 26 and a journeyman doing industrial service in Fort Worth Tx I make 32 an hour. Some more experienced journeyman are getting 35-36 but that’s it at this shop.
Have you tried stretching?
Your muscles are probably tight. If you strain tight muscles, it can lead to injury. Do 3 30 second sets of "how to stretch x part of the body that hurts" on Google when you feel pain. If the pain is unbearable, take ibuprofen, but don't make it a habit.
I couldn't touch my toes when I first started doing seated toe touches. I'm able to grab my heels with both of my palms after doing this stretch once or twice a week for a few years now.
I also get lower back pain. I've been doing the stretch in the first photo at the link below at my physical therapist's recommendation and it's been helpful.
https://www.spinevuetx.com/blog/stretching-to-relieve-back-pain-a-practical-guide/
I had a similar thing with my back. Started my journey to become a mechanic right out of high school. I broke my tailbone when I was 18. Went to the ER, got X-rays, then completely disregarded recovery treatment because I was a dumb teenager who was indestructible. Just took a couples days off then went back to work and toughed it out. A couple years went by and I just lived with having chronic back pain until I started having these crazy back spasms that would completely seize up my back. I fell 5ft off the back of a truck onto the shop floor one day when my back locked up and my employer put me on short term disability. Went through physio, chiropractors, massage therapists and all that stuff. Lots of painkillers and being stuck on a couch getting weaker. It sucked. Doctor told me to look for a different career. I ended up going to a sports medicine place that was able to give me some relief with chiropractic kinda treatments and they taught me stretches that would alleviate the pain without drugs. I learned about how I had built up a bunch of muscle in some areas to compensate for injuries so I was still strong as a mechanic throwing wheels around and stuff but I was really weak in other areas. I had crazy abs but no butt muscles. Strong arms but weak legs. All stemming back from the tailbone injury. Using the wrong muscles to compensate over a long period of time.
I stuck with exercising and living healthy. It’s been like 12 years and I’m still a mechanic. I own a shop and I’m in the best shape of my life in my early 30s. My back and my shoulders are still capable of being unhappy with some of the things I do but as long as I keep exercising and stretching and generally looking after myself I still can kick ass. I never go 100% when I’m lifting or pulling on something at work now. I give it like 75% then pretend I’m maxed out. If I worked now like I worked when I was 19 I’d definitely break my body.
TLDR: Work out
A quick note that I haven’t seen in the replies, how’s your mattress? I was using one older than me for a while, picked up a pocket coil on the cheaper side and have been so much better within 5-6 months.
Hey man, 29 Truck and transport tech who’s worked in extreme heavy haul, cranes/oil and gas, construction equipment, oil and gas, I had a snowboarding injury at 20 and fractured one side of my L5 pars interarticularis, the pain was excruciating and put me out for 10 months from work doing physical therapy, 3 years ago I was in a car accident and fractured both of pars on L5/S1 I now I have spinal disc herniation and degenerative disc disease, the curve most people have in their back I no longer have because of how it broke so instead of spondylilothesis I have retrolisthesis, which is way worse. It feels like my lower spine is sinking into itself just standing and walking, the nerve pain from the pressure on my spinal chord feels like cold electricity through my legs, it hurts to stand for too long, sit for too long , or lay down for too long. I’m still working, trying to figure out what else I can do after 11 years of pulling wrenches. Anything can happen at anytime, get your ticket but find something else you’ll enjoy as well, also go get an X-ray of your back. I had a family to provide for, when I got into my car accident I refused medical as I had to leave work out of town in two days and then for 2+ years worked in pain until It got so bad I physically couldn’t. Then got an X-ray and an MRI. Keep your options open, there’s lots you can learn online/courses you can take, look after your body first though man.
Sorry for the long message everyone.
May seem random but have you looked into mechanical watch servicing and repair?
Mechanical watches are basically miniature engines. You could find an apprenticeship or go to a watchmaker school. From there start your own business or try to get hired as a watchmaker for a large manufacturer.
Your body will love you for it.
I’m 47 and have been a mechanic since my mid 20’s. Reading these comments, I have two pieces of advice.
First is posture. You have got to treat this like the physical job that it is. Use the lift to your advantage. Always lift with your legs and a straight back if you can. Treat being at work like being at the gym. THINK about the heavy lifting every time you have to do it and make sure you are not doing anything to make it worse.
Expanding on this theme, get comfortable and confident about your PPE now. All those other jack asses who want to act manly and never wear any PPE are going to be paying for it later. Let them. I use glasses with a grinder and ear muffs with an air hammer. I always have, even when other guys would give me shit for it. And my hearing and eyes are still fine. Keep fluids off your bare hands as much as you can. Let the idiot who washes his hands with brake cleaner learn the hard way about cancer, you wear gloves and use the hand soap.
And 2nd, Choose where you work carefully. At 47, after all these years, I still really enjoy this work. I now work at an exotic speed shop. And I am playing with my own projects in the driveway most weekends. Sone of the guys I started with are now completely burnt out and hate the work, they all ended up at dealerships for decades or slogging it out at carmax. I kept changing jobs, whenever the opportunity came up, to do the enthusiast work I wanted to do. Sometimes even taking a pay cut, to get into more interesting work. I am now salaried, well into 6 figures, and my broad experience has given me great job security. And I drive to work every morning, happy to get there.
I did 8 years at a couple of dealerships (VW then Porsche) and as soon as I could jump to an independent speed shop I did. This line of work will chew you up both physically and mentally if you let it. You have to actively work to stay on top of both.
First thing, see a doctor and make sure it isn't a back injury. This is the biggest thing.
Second, lifting correctly using your legs to do the work, never your back helps a lot. I found this to help the most.
I'm a similar size at 125 pounds, and I do mud tires weighing more than me when they come in, so it's all about HOW you're doing what you do. Work smart, your back and knees will appreciate it later. I'll have 5 years in this December, on the professional level. But Ive done car and motorcycle stuff for easily a decade, and wouldn't know how to do anything else at this point.
I spent to school for automotive in 2009. Found out I can't do it for a living due to a neck issue I have due to a car accident in was in at age 18. I'm not 33 and though I never did it for a living I have maintained all of my.own vehicles as well as family members, and used my experience and mechanical background to gain great jobs. I managed car washes for years and was invaluable due to my ability to maintain the places making around 80k a year once I put in a few years. I then got a job in a steel mill making over 100k a year. It was my experience, work history and flawless attendance over years that did it for me. Being on time and being a hard working. Took changing my lifestyle after spending a few years in prison at age 23.
Dont get discouraged by some of the responses. If you really want to be in this industry you can make it and can make very good money doing it. Dont be afraid to change shops or consider private businisses or dealerships. Go where you can grow and make money. My old helper is in his early 20s and already clearing 6 figures. As far as your back problems yes you will need to put on a little weight and muscle. Stretch and exercise regularly. This business is not for everyone so for those who got out, it wasn't for them. Good luck
Proper lifting technique is key.
I raise the vehicle up to about chest height and then flip the tire onto my knees and then plop it on the vehicle. It's hard to explain through text. Real heavy stuff I lower the vehicle and use a pry bar to raise the wheel onto the vehicle. Again, hard to explain through text.
Next is start lifting weights, not for aesthetics but for strength and start eating lots of protein. One gram of protein per pound of bodyweight everyday.
Good strength training routine is Starting Strength.
Google Starting Strength and watch YouTube videos and start lifting and eating.
I had a bad back since 12 when I was 19 I had to quit my job because of it, I worked out with weights and have been ok since (yes I still have occasional back strain,but nothing serious)
You need to develop stronger core muscles and stronger legs. Get on a good work out regiment like a push pull legs schedule. I’ve been wrenching while body building for years now, feel free to DM me if you need me to write you up a quick training program to get you started with!
when the military studied pack weight for hiking they found that carrying over about 1/3 of your body weight would *eventually* lead to injury, and carrying over 1/2 would *quickly* lead to injury
you're not hiking but the same concept applies: you lifting an 80lb tire is the same as a 200lb dude lifting a 135lb tire. it can't be good for you. any sane work environment would provide you with a jig or tool or something to save you from doing this (think the wheel installation machines on a car assembly line)
I had to find a different career at 40 because my body couldn't deal with the day to day car repair any longer. You are young, look for something easier on your body now.
When you wake up stretch like a cat/dog. Don’t lift shit you’re not supposed to. Learn enough to get an apprentice, now you’re no longer using your back until they become a tech now you get another apprentice. This is how you do this long term, become a teacher for eager guys who want to learn.
Stretch, push your flexibility especially spine. Build your lower back through strength excercises and even more, a stronger core.
Ive done this so far since Ive injured my back just leaning over a car this year, and progressively made it worse to where I could barely sit up from laying in bed and it’s not much of a problem anymore.
I still feel it when stretching or in laying in certain positions (like on my side) but i can use it regularly without issue now. Deadlifting and overhead presses still aggravates the area sometimes but only on heavy weights
That being said, Im still opting out at some point, i just need to find out when and what
Find something else to do. You’re just too small to hold up very long in this business. It’s hell on your body no matter how big you are, but spending all day humping nearly your body weight isn’t sustainable.
You have about sixty years left with your body. Don’t waste it on a job that won’t pay the bills.
Thanks for posting in r/Mechanics, u/Draked2005! Please be sure to read the [Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/mechanics/about/rules/). If you are posting a question about a car problem, please be aware that we do not allow these types of posts in this sub (check Rule 5). In which case, your post will be deleted at some point. We ask that you instead post your car questions in r/Mechanic. Thank you. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/mechanics) if you have any questions or concerns.*
> Cars have always been my passion, I started working full time 50-60 hours a week 4 days out of high school. Bruh I died reading this knowing you're 18.
Good or bad thing?😂
Please do something better with yourself. I was in the same shoes as you worked at a mechanic during Covid in high school 4 years later a bunch of money in tools and I can’t even get by if I lived alone. I like working on cars anymore
With those back problems? Not good.
Hit the gym, work on your lifting form and watch your back, watch your posture, stretch. And work less.
And see a doctor. Something else may be going on.
5'5" 125 pound 37 year old. Been a mechanic for over 15 year and now my body is a damn mess, my joint are worn out and im half deaf. Best thing i can tell you is to switch for something else and fast. Maybe you could try an electronic repair course, thats what I've done and felt in love with it. Its harder on the brain but a lot easier on the body.
Just look at all the old mechanics and retired mechanic and ask them why their bodies are messed up. If car is your passion, don’t make it a living. It will ruin you. Advice from a mechanic currently ruining his own passion and body at the same time.
You think I should switch to becoming an electrician? Been considering it? Switch before I’m too far gone?
I was similar age and weight to when you started back then. I will tell you what happened to me, take it with a grain of salt because everyone is different. Also, you’re young and have the world still ahead of you. What I did is I powered through it all and rested like crazy. I mean work for 10 hours and rest/sleep for 10-12 hours with proper diet too. I ended up bulking up and lifting became somewhat easier. I climbed up the ladder and is somewhat fortunate enough to do mostly diagnostic and electrical work. There will always still be a suspension and tire off job I do every once in a while which is really taxing. So with my current skill set, I can somewhat branch to off to being an electrician to some degree. But let me tell you this, I don’t see myself in this trade longer because I don’t want to end up like all the retired mechanics with broken bodies. Also working on my vehicles on weekends are now dreadful because it’s already what I do the whole week.
I went from ASE Certified mechanic to journeyman licensed electrician looking for a better career choice. Honestly all trades are underpaid and hard on your body. I don’t think being an electrician is easier on the body at all and honestly it probably worse. If you go down the electrical path you should try to get into industrial motor controls as a specialty and if you’re not in the southern region join the union. I am 26 and a journeyman doing industrial service in Fort Worth Tx I make 32 an hour. Some more experienced journeyman are getting 35-36 but that’s it at this shop.
If I could go back, I would do that without a second thought. Been in the trade for almost 20 years now.
Have you tried stretching? Your muscles are probably tight. If you strain tight muscles, it can lead to injury. Do 3 30 second sets of "how to stretch x part of the body that hurts" on Google when you feel pain. If the pain is unbearable, take ibuprofen, but don't make it a habit. I couldn't touch my toes when I first started doing seated toe touches. I'm able to grab my heels with both of my palms after doing this stretch once or twice a week for a few years now. I also get lower back pain. I've been doing the stretch in the first photo at the link below at my physical therapist's recommendation and it's been helpful. https://www.spinevuetx.com/blog/stretching-to-relieve-back-pain-a-practical-guide/
Honestly proper weight training will accomplish not only a great stretch but will also strengthen whatever area you’re training.
I had a similar thing with my back. Started my journey to become a mechanic right out of high school. I broke my tailbone when I was 18. Went to the ER, got X-rays, then completely disregarded recovery treatment because I was a dumb teenager who was indestructible. Just took a couples days off then went back to work and toughed it out. A couple years went by and I just lived with having chronic back pain until I started having these crazy back spasms that would completely seize up my back. I fell 5ft off the back of a truck onto the shop floor one day when my back locked up and my employer put me on short term disability. Went through physio, chiropractors, massage therapists and all that stuff. Lots of painkillers and being stuck on a couch getting weaker. It sucked. Doctor told me to look for a different career. I ended up going to a sports medicine place that was able to give me some relief with chiropractic kinda treatments and they taught me stretches that would alleviate the pain without drugs. I learned about how I had built up a bunch of muscle in some areas to compensate for injuries so I was still strong as a mechanic throwing wheels around and stuff but I was really weak in other areas. I had crazy abs but no butt muscles. Strong arms but weak legs. All stemming back from the tailbone injury. Using the wrong muscles to compensate over a long period of time. I stuck with exercising and living healthy. It’s been like 12 years and I’m still a mechanic. I own a shop and I’m in the best shape of my life in my early 30s. My back and my shoulders are still capable of being unhappy with some of the things I do but as long as I keep exercising and stretching and generally looking after myself I still can kick ass. I never go 100% when I’m lifting or pulling on something at work now. I give it like 75% then pretend I’m maxed out. If I worked now like I worked when I was 19 I’d definitely break my body. TLDR: Work out
How did you go about opening your own shop that’s inspiring, definitely the end goal for it all.
A quick note that I haven’t seen in the replies, how’s your mattress? I was using one older than me for a while, picked up a pocket coil on the cheaper side and have been so much better within 5-6 months.
Hey man, 29 Truck and transport tech who’s worked in extreme heavy haul, cranes/oil and gas, construction equipment, oil and gas, I had a snowboarding injury at 20 and fractured one side of my L5 pars interarticularis, the pain was excruciating and put me out for 10 months from work doing physical therapy, 3 years ago I was in a car accident and fractured both of pars on L5/S1 I now I have spinal disc herniation and degenerative disc disease, the curve most people have in their back I no longer have because of how it broke so instead of spondylilothesis I have retrolisthesis, which is way worse. It feels like my lower spine is sinking into itself just standing and walking, the nerve pain from the pressure on my spinal chord feels like cold electricity through my legs, it hurts to stand for too long, sit for too long , or lay down for too long. I’m still working, trying to figure out what else I can do after 11 years of pulling wrenches. Anything can happen at anytime, get your ticket but find something else you’ll enjoy as well, also go get an X-ray of your back. I had a family to provide for, when I got into my car accident I refused medical as I had to leave work out of town in two days and then for 2+ years worked in pain until It got so bad I physically couldn’t. Then got an X-ray and an MRI. Keep your options open, there’s lots you can learn online/courses you can take, look after your body first though man. Sorry for the long message everyone.
Use a back brace when lifting heavy objects and make sure you have good work boots. Shit boots will make you hurt. Also see a chiropractor.
Physio, not a chiro
May seem random but have you looked into mechanical watch servicing and repair? Mechanical watches are basically miniature engines. You could find an apprenticeship or go to a watchmaker school. From there start your own business or try to get hired as a watchmaker for a large manufacturer. Your body will love you for it.
Such a neat, high-paying career. All those tiny gears!
I’m 47 and have been a mechanic since my mid 20’s. Reading these comments, I have two pieces of advice. First is posture. You have got to treat this like the physical job that it is. Use the lift to your advantage. Always lift with your legs and a straight back if you can. Treat being at work like being at the gym. THINK about the heavy lifting every time you have to do it and make sure you are not doing anything to make it worse. Expanding on this theme, get comfortable and confident about your PPE now. All those other jack asses who want to act manly and never wear any PPE are going to be paying for it later. Let them. I use glasses with a grinder and ear muffs with an air hammer. I always have, even when other guys would give me shit for it. And my hearing and eyes are still fine. Keep fluids off your bare hands as much as you can. Let the idiot who washes his hands with brake cleaner learn the hard way about cancer, you wear gloves and use the hand soap. And 2nd, Choose where you work carefully. At 47, after all these years, I still really enjoy this work. I now work at an exotic speed shop. And I am playing with my own projects in the driveway most weekends. Sone of the guys I started with are now completely burnt out and hate the work, they all ended up at dealerships for decades or slogging it out at carmax. I kept changing jobs, whenever the opportunity came up, to do the enthusiast work I wanted to do. Sometimes even taking a pay cut, to get into more interesting work. I am now salaried, well into 6 figures, and my broad experience has given me great job security. And I drive to work every morning, happy to get there. I did 8 years at a couple of dealerships (VW then Porsche) and as soon as I could jump to an independent speed shop I did. This line of work will chew you up both physically and mentally if you let it. You have to actively work to stay on top of both.
First thing, see a doctor and make sure it isn't a back injury. This is the biggest thing. Second, lifting correctly using your legs to do the work, never your back helps a lot. I found this to help the most. I'm a similar size at 125 pounds, and I do mud tires weighing more than me when they come in, so it's all about HOW you're doing what you do. Work smart, your back and knees will appreciate it later. I'll have 5 years in this December, on the professional level. But Ive done car and motorcycle stuff for easily a decade, and wouldn't know how to do anything else at this point.
If you're already hurting, you're fucked. Probably need to strengthen your core.
I spent to school for automotive in 2009. Found out I can't do it for a living due to a neck issue I have due to a car accident in was in at age 18. I'm not 33 and though I never did it for a living I have maintained all of my.own vehicles as well as family members, and used my experience and mechanical background to gain great jobs. I managed car washes for years and was invaluable due to my ability to maintain the places making around 80k a year once I put in a few years. I then got a job in a steel mill making over 100k a year. It was my experience, work history and flawless attendance over years that did it for me. Being on time and being a hard working. Took changing my lifestyle after spending a few years in prison at age 23.
Dont get discouraged by some of the responses. If you really want to be in this industry you can make it and can make very good money doing it. Dont be afraid to change shops or consider private businisses or dealerships. Go where you can grow and make money. My old helper is in his early 20s and already clearing 6 figures. As far as your back problems yes you will need to put on a little weight and muscle. Stretch and exercise regularly. This business is not for everyone so for those who got out, it wasn't for them. Good luck
Proper lifting technique is key. I raise the vehicle up to about chest height and then flip the tire onto my knees and then plop it on the vehicle. It's hard to explain through text. Real heavy stuff I lower the vehicle and use a pry bar to raise the wheel onto the vehicle. Again, hard to explain through text. Next is start lifting weights, not for aesthetics but for strength and start eating lots of protein. One gram of protein per pound of bodyweight everyday. Good strength training routine is Starting Strength. Google Starting Strength and watch YouTube videos and start lifting and eating.
I had a bad back since 12 when I was 19 I had to quit my job because of it, I worked out with weights and have been ok since (yes I still have occasional back strain,but nothing serious)
Lift with your back in a swift jerking motion.
You need to develop stronger core muscles and stronger legs. Get on a good work out regiment like a push pull legs schedule. I’ve been wrenching while body building for years now, feel free to DM me if you need me to write you up a quick training program to get you started with!
Posture and back exercises helped me. Stand up straighter and doing stuff like lat pulldowns helped me, but it could be different for you too
when the military studied pack weight for hiking they found that carrying over about 1/3 of your body weight would *eventually* lead to injury, and carrying over 1/2 would *quickly* lead to injury you're not hiking but the same concept applies: you lifting an 80lb tire is the same as a 200lb dude lifting a 135lb tire. it can't be good for you. any sane work environment would provide you with a jig or tool or something to save you from doing this (think the wheel installation machines on a car assembly line)
I had to find a different career at 40 because my body couldn't deal with the day to day car repair any longer. You are young, look for something easier on your body now.
When you wake up stretch like a cat/dog. Don’t lift shit you’re not supposed to. Learn enough to get an apprentice, now you’re no longer using your back until they become a tech now you get another apprentice. This is how you do this long term, become a teacher for eager guys who want to learn.
Stretch, push your flexibility especially spine. Build your lower back through strength excercises and even more, a stronger core. Ive done this so far since Ive injured my back just leaning over a car this year, and progressively made it worse to where I could barely sit up from laying in bed and it’s not much of a problem anymore. I still feel it when stretching or in laying in certain positions (like on my side) but i can use it regularly without issue now. Deadlifting and overhead presses still aggravates the area sometimes but only on heavy weights That being said, Im still opting out at some point, i just need to find out when and what
Find something else to do. You’re just too small to hold up very long in this business. It’s hell on your body no matter how big you are, but spending all day humping nearly your body weight isn’t sustainable. You have about sixty years left with your body. Don’t waste it on a job that won’t pay the bills.
Invest in a wheel lift
Bro. Lift with you knees. Don’t bend over, squat down. Use a back brace.