A mother from Northampton is raising awareness about the hidden risks associated with a career in hairdressing after her years spent on her feet nearly left her paralysed. Brooke Wright, 28, has been a hairdresser since she was just 15 years old and opened her own salon in 2022 after becoming a mother. However, she experienced a severe deterioration in her health due to the physical demands of her profession.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Brooke-Wright7-62626-f7ed57ff9ce94153ba8eb7032ccf3ba9.jpg)
Wright, who has spent countless hours standing in awkward positions, began to suffer from debilitating lower back pain about two years ago. Initially, she assumed the discomfort was simply the result of long working hours. “My back wasn’t great even as a teenager from working in awkward positions in the early years,” she explained. “You’re putting a lot of pressure on your lower spine, and it ends up taking a serious toll over time.”
As her condition worsened, Wright began to experience shooting pains that radiated down her leg. The situation became so severe that she struggled to sit or stand for any length of time, often needing to lie down between clients. Seeking help, she first consulted a private physiotherapist, only to feel dismissed due to her age. “I felt like she didn’t care to find out what the problem was,” Wright recounted. “Even my GP told me that at my age, it would sort itself out.”
Frustration mounted as her painful condition continued to impact her daily life and mental well-being. Despite attending various appointments and seeking multiple opinions, Wright felt unheard and disregarded. It was only after a visit to a spinal specialist that she began to receive the attention she so desperately needed. Although she was initially offered a steroid spinal injection, it provided only temporary relief.
Months of turmoil finally culminated in November 2025, when a general practitioner referred her for an MRI scan. The results were alarming; Wright had a slipped disc that was compressing a crucial nerve running down both of her legs. “I was told if I carry on, my spinal cord could be compressed, and I could end up being paralysed,” she said, addressing the gravity of her diagnosis.
In April 2026, Wright underwent a lumbar microdiscectomy to alleviate the pressure on her spinal cord. Her recovery required strict adherence to restrictions, including no bending, twisting, lifting, or driving for eight weeks. “I’ve never had surgery before, and I did feel rough,” she added, reflecting on the impact of her prolonged discomfort. “My damaged nerve is going to take a long time to heal.”
Currently, as she prepares to return to work, Wright finds herself reflecting on her journey and the consequences of neglecting her body’s needs. She has committed to engaging in physiotherapy and incorporating new practices such as Pilates and regular walking to strengthen her back. “I almost had to learn to walk properly again,” she mentioned. “Spending nine or ten hours in a hunched position isn’t great for you—it nearly ruined me. I do think it was a wake-up call.”
With her experience in mind, Wright is determined to share her story to highlight the physical challenges that hairdressers face. Many people may not realise the potential hazards associated with the profession, which Wright believes should be recognised as a legitimate risk. She insists, “It can be the end of your career or even your ability to walk.”
While hairdressing is often perceived as a creative and fulfilling career, Wright aims to shed light on the strenuous nature of the job. Her mission is to ensure that others in the profession understand the importance of taking care of their bodies and seeking help when necessary. “You don’t think it would be something so physical until you start learning about your spine, and it can really affect you,” she stated emphatically.
Brooke Wright’s story serves as a poignant reminder that even seemingly benign careers can harbour serious risks if proper care is not taken. As she embarks on her recovery, she not only hopes to return to her passion for hairdressing but also to inspire others to prioritise their health and well-being in the process.