Minimizing back pain and further damage while diving...?

[RJP]

Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks.

Have the op put your gear in the water, get in the water, gear up... and go S-L-O-W.

There are few things in diving that aren't easier and don't go better when you're going S-L-O-W.

 

[Tom Winters]

Geez... back pain and diving is not a lot of fun. Take a lot of tip cash with you - don't carry luggage, dive gear --> don't carry nuthin' except lots of five dollar bills. They don't weigh much, but it's amazing how much weight they can take off your back. Let the dive op know you have a bad back, and don't be a cheap tipper because you live next to Canada.
You're going to have to figure out what kind of kick feels ok in the water. Good luck with the trip.