diving with some what of a bad back?

[Jay Cohen]

Consider working to strengthen the back, which can easily be done with a little basic supervision, then you're good to go.

Google Deadlifts and Squats, find a gym, or start lifting/squating your tank, or other odd weights.

If you do truly have a bad back(not sure what that term means) work to fix the problem, not avoid it.

JM2C's

 

[Mike Boswell]

thats just it, will I be able to take the ow dive class? I had surgery on my lower back but i still do everyday activity. just got done bowling 3 games. I did not have a fusion on the lower back just some trimming of the disk. once in the water their isn't that much weight on the back right?

Right. You are weightless in the water.

A look at your profile did not provide any information about you, so answering your questions becomes more challenging.

Out of the water, scuba generally requires lifting and carrying moderately heavy weight, like lugging two 40-lb tanks from the shop to the car, or the car to the beach or boat. A cold water diver can also be lugging lots of lead.

With one tank, air, regulator, valve, backplate and lead, you will be carrying 50-60 pounds on your shoulders. Add to that another 10 -20 lbs for suit, fins, mask, and other gear. If you can carry that much you should be fine in a normal OW class.

I hurt my back five years ago and it took years to whip it back into shape, but rest and exercise helped and now it's back to normal. I would advise you to see a doc first, and then start exercising with smaller weights and work your way up to it.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

.....Nobody on the internet can tell you whether or not the problems you have or had will prevent you from diving.

Terry

Terry, you are such a kill joy . But absolutely correct.

nitrochad,

Use good judgement, be honest when you fill out your medical history form, get cleared by your doctor (from what you've told us, you should be cleared no problem).

Then have fun.

Best wishes.

 

[goonsquad]

Not that I have much diving experience, but I was able to do the course and I have two bulged disks and what the doctor called a "slight ruptured" disk between L6-L7, I don't think diving will affect your back at all if you take normal lifting precautions.

I would recommend that if you're not in shape to get that way and stay that way, but thats just a good way not to re-injure your back...

I think getting in and out of the water is the only place you really need to be extra cautious, once in the water you really shouldn't have much pressure on the back.

 

[nitrochad]

Thanks everyone for the great advise!!!

 

[Blackbeard 69]

I have had back surgery and go to a pain management clinic. If to watch how you enter and exit and try not to have to wear the gear on top too much its no trouble, really its the only time my back doesn't hurt weightless you know.

 

[el_guapo]

Actually messed up my back when I was doing my pool dives, bending over like an idiot. No surgery needed. Waited a month to get back in decent shape, with core strength exercises, and practiced safe lifting with all my gear. Open water dives went smooth as silk. I still have troubles every great once in a while, but never while diving. Maybe see a doctor and see what exercises he or she recommends for lower back pain. Usually lots of abdominal exercises. Having strong stomach muscles takes some of the work off of your back muscles, and lets you amaze your friends by eating a 5lb burrito.