Carrying concealed with back pain: need help!

[TexasBill]

The reason for the old cross-strap on the Sam Browne belt was to take some of the weapon's weight off the hip by transferring it to the shoulder. This also helped keep the gun belt from sliding down onto the hips, which over time, can lead to lower back pain. This wouldn't be a problem if the spine was straight but it curves at the lower back and the weight of the gun belt and accessories put a strain on that area.

That's why I recommended the suspenders and wearing your pants a little higher.

 

[loneviking]

I too have had back surgery and carrying a Mod 19 all day gets to be a bit much. I also use the Simply Rugged holsters. If my back is bothering me, I switch over to a smaller, plastic gun and use the Kangaroo carry holster. Look up these holsters as they are sort of a cross between a shoulder holster and a belly band holster. They work and are very comfortable with the lighter weight guns. Oh...suspenders do help a lot if you are one of those guys like me with no hips and no butt!

 

[brizbane]

Hey jame,
Thank you. You reminded me of the reason I post very little on forums and why I should better learn to take my own advice.

 

[nipsip]

Never too late to start lifting weights.

I had similar problems and had some nerve damage in my right arm. I have been lifting weights for two years now, usually 3x per week and I am stronger now than when I was younger and having really strong core and back muscles have helped me more than I could have expected.

Far better than continuing to slide backwards as I was before.

 

[jame]

After all considerations of belt type, mode and method of carry, I made a decision.

My belt and holster are high quality, well made, of reputable manufacture.

I've carried for over 10 years, IWB, OWB, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, small of back, etc.........

I did strength training for 20 years, do 50 crunches per day, and take 2 to 4 flights of stairs from 2 to 15 times per day. I'm in pretty darned good condition for a guy of 51, with the exception of the back pain I've endured since I was 13.

I haven't done it all, but I've done most of what's been suggested here over the years save one little thing.........

I just got back home with my new Ruger LCP. This just may be the best option.

Thanks guys.

 

[2WheelsGood]

I just got back home with my new Ruger LCP. This just may be the best option.

Good idea, though keep in mind that if you're planning on carrying it in your back pocket in a wallet-type holster, sitting on something like that can be hard on your back too.

 

[skenzer]

If you plan to carry on your waist, either inside or outside the waistband then a good quality gun belt is a must. It's not everything though. Some holsters aid in alleviating the weight of the firearm by being wide and spreading the weight over a larger area of the belt. For example, the CrossBreed or my favorite, the MTAC from Comp-Tac do a great job of distributing the weight of the weapon on the belt. I honestly don't even notice I'm carrying my Glock when I wear my gun belt and MTAC holster.

I've read some good things about "belly bands" as well. Not as easy to get to your gun this way but may be a good option for you.

I personally believe the best place for your handgun is at your side..but if you just can't be comfortable that way then consider a shoulder harness rig or even a ankle holster.

I have chronic lower back pain and carrying my Glock with a good gun belt and the MTAC holster doesn't bother me a bit. I hope you find something that works for you. It would be a shame to leave that gun at home because it hurts too much to carry it.

 

[shep854]

Good overall fitness cannot be overemphasized. This does not mean being a wannabe SEAL, but get as much body weight off as possible, then maintain muscle tone. This involves both exercise and stretching.

For myself, I ruptured a disc in my lower back in the summer of '71 I think. Later on, I started experiencing pain shooting down my leg. I didn't have surgery, but I sometimes get a twinge if I let myself start getting out of shape. Keeping my ab strength up and hamstrings stretched keeps the nerves from getting pinched. What's really annoying is when my lower back spasms; I stand crooked and have a sore back until it goes away. My back has not influenced my carry choices, though.

 

[Centaur 1]

You'll love that LCP. I have 9 fused vertebrae and 7 artificial discs, C4-C7 and L3-S2. I mostly use an Uncle Mikes size 10 iwb neoprene holster and carry in SOB, or in my right front pocket. There is some good ammo available that takes the .380 out of the mouse gun category, I use the Cor-bon DPX rounds in mine.