Lower Back pain from CCW?

[marklbucla]

I'm not at the range now because my lower back is KILLING me!

It's been a long time since I've carried, and last night was the the first time I carried this particular setup- STI LS9 and Crossbreed holster. It was only for about an hour, but about 35 mins of it was seated in the car. I've put on some weight, so I couldn't wear my Wilderness Tactical Instructor's belt but instead wore a cheap Gap leather belt.

This morning when I got up, my back hurt too much to really leave the apt. much less shoot. Anybody else get back problems from carrying?

When I carried a CZ PCR before a couple of years ago, my back was a little sore at first, but I got used to it. It was nowhere near as bad as this though.

 

[CountGlockula]

Sorry to hear that buddy. I'm a fairly tall guy and I get back aches all the time.

When it's hard to stand, purchase a brace that goes around your stomach. McDavid makes some good ones with metal plate stitched inside for daily wear and to keep your back from bending as it heals.
-Lastly grab some heat pack.

A suggestion, if you carry a heavy gun maybe you want to look into something lighter...like a subcompact Glock or another "Tupper ware" gun. My Glock 35 only weighs 2lbs. w/o a full mag.

 

[strat81]

Before I chime in, let me state I am not a doctor or any other type of medical professional.

While I am not familiar with your particular firearm, I'd look at how/where you are carrying it. Although the weight of the weapon might be the issue, it's probably how it's sitting on your body. If it is pinching a nerve, that could cause problems. Or, if it sits in such a way that you are sitting/standing in a weird way, that can cause pain too. For example, my back begins to hurt if my wallet gets too thick; it causes my posture to get weird, screwing up my back. Ergonomics are important and can wreak havoc on the body if not proper. Try wearing a running shoe on one foot and a hiking boot on the other for a few days and see how rotten your legs, hips, and back feel.

That being said, this might be a good chance to talk about a mild exercise regimen with your doctor. Unweighted good-mornings or deadlifts, or hyper extensions if you have the proper bench, might help strengthen the muscles in your lower back.

Also, maybe it is a "good" pain you're experiencing. You might be using muscles you haven't used in a while and they're just a little stressed from the ordeal. Listen to your body and use common sense to know the difference. Good luck!

 

[marklbucla]

I was carrying at 3:00. The gun isn't super heavy, but it sure isn't light either.

 

[Joe Gunns]

Have had experiences like you describe. Might have been the pressure from the belt rather than the firearm. If I don't loosen my belt a notch or two when I sit down my back will act up the next day. -Gotta tighten it back up when I stand to keep my pants from falling off. I don't have a "gut" when I stand, but a little one develops when I sit, (guess I need to start up on the leg lifts and situps again).

 

[TarpleyG]

Carrying an aluminum frame 4" 1911 at 3:30 IWB for a couple of years wreaked havoc on my right side. Developed something along the lines of what is known as "runner's knee" and had to have about 6 months of physical therapy to correct it. It affected me from my lower back all the way down to the inside of my knee. I didn't have this problem before carrying that gun that way nor do I have it now that I don't carry IWB. Not that this will impact everyone in the same way but it is something to be aware of. My symptoms were very gradual and continued for a while after I stopped carrying. Now, if and when I carry, I carry a J frame in my front pocket.

Oh, and stretching my IT band along with heat, ice, and stim on my lower back eventually fixed this in case anyone is having similar issues. A good PT can be more specific.

Greg

 

[BullfrogKen]

A good gun belt and holster that works with your body type will do wonders for that. You might have been unknowingly standing in an awkward position, or where it was digging into your back while you were seated could have strained some muscles.

I cannot wear an IWB holster for some similar reasons, but not my back. I wear Outside the Waistband holsters, and am much more comfortable for it. I can't tolerate steel frames, either. I carry Lightweight Commanders, with a spare mag, Surefire, and a fixed blade. The steel frames are intolerable for me after about 6 hours.