Back pain revisited

[TarDevil]

I know there are several old threads about this, and my current agony begs another.

Bulging disc, arthritis, stenosis = constant back pain. Has gotten significantly worse since I started carrying my SR9c. I just never thought about back pain associated with carrying. I currently don't have a quality holster and will try either a Crossbreed or Theis. Still not convinced I can carry pain free. I do wanna save some of my back for paddling my little home built boat.

I didn't want a pocket gun... arthritis in my shooting hand made me decide on a relatively heavier 9MM gun so I could practice more without beating up my hand, and I don'tn believe in carrying without without constant practice. Though a lighter gun would help my back, my wrist would suffer.

What to do, what to do...

 

[smalls]

Have you tried altering your carrying position? An area away from your back may help with the pain.

 

[TarDevil]

Yeah, I've tried 3, 4 and 2 o'clock. Each have their issues.

Like I said, a Crossbreed or Theis is in my near future (and a quality belt) and I'll give that a try. I'm just a little skeptical.

 

[MuleRyder]

and a quality belt

^^This makes all the difference in the world^^

 

[JRH6856]

I have bulging disks and stenosis. at L4/L5 which causes sciatic nerve pain. Also bone spurs in C4-C6. Lower back pain is exacerbated by unbalanced loads. Carrying at 2-4 oclock on either side for any length of time eventually causes severe pain because of the unbalanced load. It isn't a belt issue or holster issue. Shoulder holsters create the same problem of an unbalanced load. Carrying 2 spare magazines at 180 degrees can help to balance the load. If you carry a cell phone, wallet, keys, knife, etc, try to keep the load balanced. It can make a real difference.

 

[EVIL]

have you tried a revolver for easier weapon manipulation (i.e. no slide to rack) with arthritic hands?

Try a good belt to distribute the weight, and Y-back, belt suspenders to help even the load. They could even be worn under a cover shirt.

http://reviews.basspro.com/2010/22093/redhead-perry-y-back-suspenders-reviews/reviews.htm

 

[JRH6856]

It isn't just load bearing that causes the problem. The presence of excess mass on one side changes overall balance and forces the body to compensate. Much of this compensation is done by the hips which in turn stresses the lower back.

 

[TarDevil]

I've got a revolver, and don't have any trouble racking a slide. Right now, its just carrying that hurts. Heres hoping thew new holster will help.

 

[JustSomeDude]

Sounds like you should try appendix carry. I have certain personal reservations about, but many like it.

 

[JRH6856]

Sounds like you should try appendix carry

Don'y know about him, but I had my appendix out when I was 9.