low back pain - LBP

[dvas]

Hello Everyone,
unfortunatelly, I suffer from LBP. While diving, I can feel it after I am in the water for more then 30-40 minutes, and i have found out that it happens since I am in the position opposite of so-called fetus position.
Last Friday, after carrying the 15l steel and 7l aluminium deco bottle, I had to miss my second dive next day.
In the club, I have been recommended to use the MARES (they called it Orthopedic weight belt) padded weight belt, and it will support my back.
I use integrated weight system within my Zeagle. One technical instructor, that also uses Zeagle (911), told me to use this belt, put half of weights there and half in the BCD, and that this belt will prevent me from entering the 'anti' fetus position that is causing my LBP.

I was wondering if anyone is experiencing this and what are my options.

thanks,
Sasha

PS: afraid to think about next year tri-mix course... doubles on back, each side another one......;-0

 

[BillP]

Howdy Sasha:

Low back pain is a difficult problem. If it is related to simple musculoskeletal strain (as opposed to lumbar disc disease, arthritis, or other disease process) then exercise to strengthen the surrounding muscles is sometimes all that is needed.

Avoidance of situations that put particular stress on the area and aggravate symptoms is wise. For example, toting heavy gear on the surface, climbing ladders in full kit, etc. can require a fair amount of effort from the back. Changing the configuration of the gear (e.g. tank placement, BC style, weightbelt type and weight distribution, etc.) can help.

I would have concerns about someone entering the "technical" diving realm if they had enough back problems to interfere with their ability to dive in challenging conditions.

Sorry to be so vague, but there really isn't a specific answer. Sounds like you've already gotten some good ideas.

HTH,

Bill

The above information is intended for discussion purposes only and is not meant as specific medical advice for any individual.

 

[dvas]

Hi,
thanks for the input. My LBP has no pathological sings (disc rupture,....), at least as per the test from some time ago.
IMHO (I don't have any medical formal study), the LBP is caused from my knee. My ACL, instead of beeing connected to femur, it is connected to PCL. It happened some 15 years ago. I didn't do the ACL reconstruction, since I have never suffered from the knee stability problems.
BUT, since this ACL tear, I have lost some simetry in the body, and from there I am suffering from LBP. This is mine theory, that I am 100% sure about.
THe problem is that I am not doing regularly any sport as I should (as you mentioned). I am suffering from this pain only in extreme situations, like the explained.
I was wondering if there is anything (except swiming everyday in a pool:nono that I can do while swiming, that will reduce this pain.
Even when I dive with a regular 12liter steel tank, after 40 minutes of dive, I suffer from this pain, due to the way I swim while diving. Once i tried all the time to contract (to fetus position) every other minute, and it was OK. No pain.

what do you think?

thanks,
sasha

 

[large_diver]

Regarding LBP....

I'm not a doctor...so take my comments simply as those coming from a non-medical type who has had LBP in the past.

I first began to suffer from occasional LBP when pitching (baseball) in high school. I have occasional flare-ups, mainly when I don't stay in shape and try to over do things physically.

I try to do the following --

- Ongoing fitness regimen, including weight training & swimming
- Back-strengthening exercises
- Back-specific stretching exercises (as well as non-back stretching) before ALL physical activites, including diving
- Paying special attention to my bio-mechanics when doing any heavy lifting to avoid putting extra stress on my lower back.

Before engaging in any of these -- might be worth a doctor visit to find out the nature of your prblem.

Good luck.

 

[BillP]

Howdy Sasha:

Rolling up into the fetal position stretches the back muscles and helps relieve strain on the lower back. It's a good maneuver when you have the pain, but it's not a solution to the source of the problem.

Large_diver has given some good general suggestions on managing chronic lower back strain, and I think you've likely exhausted the supply of medical answers that can be given over the Internet without a more specific diagnosis. You are now really asking more of a procedural/operational question as to how you should modify your kick, manage your tanks, wear your BC, distribute your weight, dive with accommodating dive operations, etc. to help with your problem.

Many divers suffer from back problems and have experience making appropriate adjustments to help, and many instructors are expert at helping divers manage procedural questions like yours. You might head over to the "Basic Scuba Discussions" forum and ask how you might change your diving practices to help with the problem. I'll bet you'll get a good response with lots of suggestions.

Good luck,

Bill

 

[dvas]

hi,
thank you SO much for you inputs... I will continue to look for the answers....

dive safe,
sasha