IWB vs. OWB for those of us with back issues

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TomJ

TomJ

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I've been carrying mid size guns IWB for a number of years now. Over the past month or two I've started experiencing back and neck pain which are due to compressed disks in my lower back and a bulging disk as well as arthritis in my neck. I'm seeing a good physical therapist who is helping but am limited to pocket carrying my P365 as carrying IWB is too uncomfortable. I'm in my mid 50's and won't risk aggrevating my back issues by carrying IWB daily and am wondering if anyone else has experienced this, and whether carrying OWB has been more comfortable. If not OWB what other suggestions? Again, I won't risk ongoing back problems if carrying IWB or OWB will cause that, and while I'd prefer to carry a mid size gun as I shoot them better, if pocket carrying my P365 is my best option I'm okay with that.
 
I've tried several different IWB holsters with guns ranging from light j-frames to single stack micro-compact 9mm's and even my LCP. Whenever I carry a gun in the 3:30-4:00 position for more than a couple hours my back starts aching. Doesn't matter if I'm walking around or riding in a car, my back hurts. I've tried single clip holsters and dual "weight distributing" holsters, either way my back hurts. I have two different gun belts too so I know that's not the problem.

The solution for me was appendix carry. It's a night and day difference, instead of an aching back after two hours I can carry appendix for 8 or more hours and feel absolutely normal.
 
I have the same back issues. I went from a 1911 to down to a sub compact 380. I still carry iwb. Just went smaller and lighter.
 
Smaller and lighter; if you can pocket carry the SIG (been trying to find one for 6 months!) that would keep pressure off your back. I saw a study done once a long while ago about truck drivers and bad backs. Seemed (at least then) that truckers' wallets were often very thick with both cash and receipts, and sitting all day driving torqued their lower backs resulting in a lot of issues. One reason I prefer cargo shorts so nothing is in the back pockets when I am sitting for any reason.
 
I have some very good IWB holsters but a good OWB is always more comfortable. With either one a good quality belt is a must.
 
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FWIW, I have a history of back issues (centrally bulged lumbar disk plus arthritis in my lower back, I'm 31) and I carry a S&W Shield in a Raw Dog Tactical hybrid holster at 3 o'clock. I haven't had any particular issues with my back as a result with one exception. There was one day where I bumped one of our door frames and twisted wierd when I realized it, and that tweaked my back such that I needed to visit the chiropractor.

Is there something specific you find uncomfortable with IWB carry? I didn't like carrying with a kydex holster but found a hybrid much more comfortable.
 
BigBL87 said:
FWIW, I have a history of back issues (centrally bulged lumbar disk plus arthritis in my lower back, I'm 31) and I carry a S&W Shield in a Raw Dog Tactical hybrid holster at 3 o'clock. I haven't had any particular issues with my back as a result with one exception. There was one day where I bumped one of our door frames and twisted wierd when I realized it, and that tweaked my back such that I needed to visit the chiropractor.

Is there something specific you find uncomfortable with IWB carry? I didn't like carrying with a kydex holster but found a hybrid much more comfortable.
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I've been using a N82 Tactical Holster, which is incredibly comfortable and not the cause of any of this. I also have quite a few other holsters I've tried. The issue I run into when carrying IWB is the gun pressing into my side (I also carry at 3 o'clock), causing discomfort in my back due in large part to the weight of the gun. I've been carrying mid size double stack 9's. Once I'm over this latest issue, hopefully in the next couple of weeks, I'll try again with my P365. I'm hoping the reduced weight will help. If not I'll need to try something different.
 
TomJ said:
I've been using a N82 Tactical Holster, which is incredibly comfortable and not the cause of any of this.
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Just before I switched to appendix I bought a N82 holster. You're right, it's incredibly comfortable, much more so than any other holster I've used for IWB carry. For me, it still wasn't enough.
 
I've got chronic severe lower back problems. Bad enough that I'm unable to work because of it.

I carry a lightweight Commander IWB. A good gun belt is a MUST. I'm using an Alien Gear holster.

Perhaps it's time you look into using a cane. If I'm doing any amount of walking at all I use a cane. It helps to take some of the weight off my back.
 
Texas10mm said:
I've got chronic severe lower back problems. Bad enough that I'm unable to work because of it.

I carry a lightweight Commander IWB. A good gun belt is a MUST. I'm using an Alien Gear holster.

Perhaps it's time you look into using a cane. If I'm doing any amount of walking at all I use a cane. It helps to take some of the weight off my back.
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I'm not at the point where I need a cane, and that's what I'm trying to avoid long term. Based on the progress I'm making I should be back to normal in a couple of weeks or so. I'm trying to avoid a repeat of what I'm going through now and avoid additional damage that will cause problems when I'm older.
 
I haven't hit the problem yet, but a lot of guys with those issues add suspenders. This allows them to wear the belt a little looser to keep the pressure off their body, and with a good belt it still provides a stable platform for the holster whether worn IWB or OWB.
 
I just passed the half-century mark, don't have back issues but have some neck & shoulder issues. For me the most comfy is OWB around 3:00, but only in Winter because concealment is an issue in Summer. Also do IWB around 2:30-3:00. It seems the closer the sidearm is to the point of the hip bone the better. I cannot wear any further back than 3:00 due to shape, the grip prints like crazy, and it's near impossible for me to sit in a car that way. So 2:30-3:00 it is. But if I keep "expanding my horizon" I'll need to find bigger pants for IWB. :eek:)
 
The weight of the gun seems to be the overriding factor in my experience. I’m at the half century mark and have had lower back issues off and on for about 15 years. A good gun belt helps up to a point. A heavy (30+ oz) gun changes my stride enough to stress my lower back a bit. When I walk, I feel as though I’m swinging my right hip around too much to compensate for the additional weight.
 
I recently had surgery that effected how I carried during my recovery, I considered a shoulder rig. Long story shortened, not being a shoulder rig kind of guy, I bought vtac combat suspenders, wore my belt slightly loose. Now that I have fully recovered. I have tightened my belt, but still wear the vtac suspenders. It's much more stable for me, I'll never go back to just a belt.
 
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I've had some back issues as well and have found that carrying appendix helps a lot, as well as making sure I don't have things in my back pockets when I'm going to be sitting for long periods of time. I carry a Glock 19 closer to 12:00 or 1:00, so still a 9mm double stack mid sized gun.

Also, a good gunbelt is worth its weight in gold. I even wear mine when I am not carrying a gun as it helps support my back.

I have also found that a belly band can also help. Depending on how you wear it, you can essentially use it as a back brace, and it also allows you to carry guns more discretely with no belt loops showing. About the only thing I worry about with belly bands is trigger protection for striker fired guns. A good kydex (or good leather) holster completely shields the trigger, but the elastic of a belly band doesn't offer as much protection. I don't have as much of a worry with a DA trigger, so I carry a Sig 228 or 239 (both DA/SA) or if I need very deep concealment a S&W 442 (DAO snubby).
 
"a good gunbelt is worth it's weight in gold..." True words of wisdom there and I can't understand why so many guys today just don't "get" that (or refuse to even wear a belt at all - ever). Today most guys choose a small gun to carry in their pocket.
 
Gunbelts are essential gear, for everything from carrying anything from duty items, to hunting and camping gear. I have four that cover everything, from work to, dressy occasions. As far as I'm concerned, money well spent.
 
Just to echo, a good gun belt makes a big difference. And, you don't have to spend a bunch to get a decent one. I have a Daltech Force SuperBio and Steel Core Distressed Bison Belt that I use for EDC, as well as an Akers B21 that I got too big to use for IWB that I use when I'm not carrying or when I'm pocket carrying. All cost me under $50. I can't go back to regular belts.
 
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