bad cramp in lower back when diving

[divedownunder]

Does anyone else have this ?
Any reason this could be happening, used a different wetsuit last time could this affect cramping?

Cheers Richard

 

[Diver0001]

It could be trim related (feet too light) and it could be related to a heavy weightbelt.

How are you configured? What happens to you when you stop all movement under water?

R..

 

[Steve50]

It could be trim related (feet too light) and it could be related to a heavy weightbelt.

How are you configured? What happens to you when you stop all movement under water?

R..

Agree - you could be arching your back to pull your upper body to a horizontal position.

 

[PerroneFord]

Agree - you could be arching your back to pull your upper body to a horizontal position.

Could, or should?

Sounds like probably overweighting to me.

 

[tjmills]

This has been my experience also especially with new divers. This can be from improper trim which is weight in your BC placement pulling your head down or simply working too hard to keep your head up. When you are new it is easy for either one to be true. If you find you are arching your back to look up then you are starting to figure out which one or if perhaps both could be the problem.

Look at how your position in the water is. If your feet are too high then you might be an ankle floater. I have seen this be a temporary situation and sometimes a permanent situation despite the criticism I might take for saying this. You can try ankle weights but don't overdue it. Its very likely that you can reposition your weight on your bc or weight belt and get the same results.

 

[Steve50]

Agree suspect weighting issue - too much or improperly distributed.

 

[samnewsom]

Pickle juice works great for all cramps and awesome to take for hangovers

 

[aquaagua]

Hydrate; that helps with cramping. Also the weight belt pulling down on your waist if there is too much weight on it.

 

[divedownunder]

I have 4 kg in my bcd itself ... and about 9kg on my belt.... I will take alot more notice next time and see whats happening with my position in the water... I find when im hunting I like being slightly negative ... thanks for all you tips ... ill let you know how i get on
Cheers Rich

 

[RoyN]

Thanks for the tip, I have 10 lbs in back of me and 10 lbs in front, think I should configure it?