Best type of BCD for shoulder / back pain

[Landau]

For shore diving where you have a long walk with gear on, definitely try the Aqualung Dimension. It has a hip belt like a hiking backpack allowing you the adjust the load between the shoulders and hips. Very comfortable.

Also has good octo and gauge holders and excellent cargo pockets.

Just be super careful with the SureLock weight pockets so they don’t turn into SureLoss

 

[RobPNW]

This is the adjustable backplate harness I have. Mine is the same one but not with the Subgravity branding which saved a considerable amount on the cost. Allows for use of a backplate and wing while making it shoulder friendly:

Adjustable Harness System - SubGravity

Simple but adjustable Harness designed to be used in conjunction with a backplate. The steel QR plates replace traditional plastic buckles, allowing for the same ease of adjustment and removal, without the risk of breaking seen in plastic. A single D ring on each shoulder strap and one D ring on...

sub-gravity.com

I think mine is DTD brand but it's the same thing. Here's an example:

DTD QUICK FIX Adjustable Harness Scuba Tech Diving Buy and Sales in Gidive Store

DTD QUICK FIX Adjustable Harness Complete set containing: PA harness with grommet with integrated 2x QUICK-FIX stainless-steel buckles 2x stainless-steel D-r...

www.gidivestore.com

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

Advil is candy when you're over 50.

 

[RobPNW]

Advil is candy when you're over 50.

From a Pez dispenser

 

[KenE]

I have a neck injury on one side and broken/dislocated shoulder on the other. I am familiar with shoulder pain. I currently dive a jacket as I thought the weight distribution would help. But in reality, not as much as I thought it would. The buckle on the left shoulder strap has reduced pain because it make donning and doffing much less stressful on the shoulder. I do suggest shifting weight to the waist with a tight waist strap and loose shoulder straps. I also carry some lead on a weight belt as it removes it from the shoulders. All the integrated weight pouches puts that weight on the shoulders, so moving some to the weight belt helped as well.

I don't believe the type of BC matters as much as where you put the weight and the ability to shift the remaining load to your waist and off the shoulders. I will be shifting to a BP/W in the near future as long as I have the buckle on the left shoulder strap.

I hope this helps, keep diving!

 

[LFMarm]

Given your condition, I would explore sidemount as an option. Especially for back pain can be game changing.

 

[runsongas]

sidemount and clip on in the water, even better if you can get some 7L tanks