m.cdive
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Can you dive with a herniated disc?
Question about diving
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ask your doctor. I know some who do, but if I was teaching you, I would require a note from your doctor saying you're cleared to dive
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I think my brother has something like that (I should know....). He dives fine. But as always, consult a doctor.
NYCNaiad
Dive babble all day long
Speaking with your doctor is a requirement (& better yet, a doctor familiar with dive medicine suggested by the Diver's Alert Network).
But from personal experience, I can tell you that I've been diving with 2 herniated discs and sciatica. It really depends upon how you are treating your back, how you are strengthening your back/core & the type of diving you are doing.
I do not use pain killers as way too many people become addicts due to back pain pills. This means that in my case, there are no contraindications to diving because of medication. I do receive occasional lumbar epidurals which have helped tremendously. (Done in an hospital guided under fluroscopy to ensure exact targeting instead of the guessing game that some doctors do in their office.)
I was actively involved in physical therapy & continue to do daily exercises to strengthen my core muscles & support my spine.
During months where my back feels fine, but not great (e.g., at 90-95% of normal), I will only do easy dives (i.e., not too deep, no current, good visibility, etc.). I do not dive during active flare ups of any kind because it can put me & my buddy at risk.
I have also learned to avoid shore dives & only do boat dives. If conditions allow it, I will hand my weights separately to the crew & then hand over my BCD all while in the water. I reduce the amount of time that I'm standing in my gear...sometimes this means letting everyone else go first while I am seated, sometimes this means making sure I am sitting next to the ladder. I also ask for help moving my gear from the room to the shop & to the boat. Note: This doesn't mean I can't perform any of these functions if needed. It's simply a way to reduce the stress on my back. I also discuss this with the crew ahead of time & tip them well for the extra service.
So yes, from my own experience, it is possible. But don't do it if it puts you or your buddy at risk & do consult a doctor.
But from personal experience, I can tell you that I've been diving with 2 herniated discs and sciatica. It really depends upon how you are treating your back, how you are strengthening your back/core & the type of diving you are doing.
I do not use pain killers as way too many people become addicts due to back pain pills. This means that in my case, there are no contraindications to diving because of medication. I do receive occasional lumbar epidurals which have helped tremendously. (Done in an hospital guided under fluroscopy to ensure exact targeting instead of the guessing game that some doctors do in their office.)
I was actively involved in physical therapy & continue to do daily exercises to strengthen my core muscles & support my spine.
During months where my back feels fine, but not great (e.g., at 90-95% of normal), I will only do easy dives (i.e., not too deep, no current, good visibility, etc.). I do not dive during active flare ups of any kind because it can put me & my buddy at risk.
I have also learned to avoid shore dives & only do boat dives. If conditions allow it, I will hand my weights separately to the crew & then hand over my BCD all while in the water. I reduce the amount of time that I'm standing in my gear...sometimes this means letting everyone else go first while I am seated, sometimes this means making sure I am sitting next to the ladder. I also ask for help moving my gear from the room to the shop & to the boat. Note: This doesn't mean I can't perform any of these functions if needed. It's simply a way to reduce the stress on my back. I also discuss this with the crew ahead of time & tip them well for the extra service.
So yes, from my own experience, it is possible. But don't do it if it puts you or your buddy at risk & do consult a doctor.
Scubagolf
Contributor
Depends on the degree of herniation and impingement on a nerve. Check with a qualified doctor. I expect a doc will tell you it's a self limiting pain issue.
You will suffer unless you apply extreme care with lifting and carrying your gear. It should be possible and maybe even give some relief to dive with a bad back because during the actual dive you are weightless but there is a lot of lifting of objects weighing between say 15-20 kg involved you will need to find a way to get from wherever you set up your gear to in the water without making matters worse.
You really need to ask a doctor about this.
R..
I am missing a disk in the lower back. Apparently has been missing for some time. My diving is boat diving and easy shore diving. Have to make a point of good posture when lifting and bending. But that is true when I do not dive.
I have a bulging disc and degenerative back disease. I have not had any limitations and the back roll entry is not an issue. I'm still fine wearing my gear in for shore diving. I have dove with people that will put their gear on in the water or sit on the edge of the boat and the dive crew will help them gear up.
Good advice on talking to a Dr, and DAN. My thoughts are do as much as your back will let you. If you need help gearing up, ask for it. Take your gear off in the water and hand it to the dive crew if needed. If bending is an issue, there is an ad on this site for a device that allow you to step into your fins.
I think the risk would be if your back had a sudden issue while diving. Getting back on the boat and a long ride back or an exit while shore diving could be a serious problem. That's something only you and your doctor can address.
Dive site selection and conditions may be more important now than before your injury.
At my age, I eat Advil like M&Ms. getting old sucks.
Good luck,
Jay
Good advice on talking to a Dr, and DAN. My thoughts are do as much as your back will let you. If you need help gearing up, ask for it. Take your gear off in the water and hand it to the dive crew if needed. If bending is an issue, there is an ad on this site for a device that allow you to step into your fins.
I think the risk would be if your back had a sudden issue while diving. Getting back on the boat and a long ride back or an exit while shore diving could be a serious problem. That's something only you and your doctor can address.
Dive site selection and conditions may be more important now than before your injury.
At my age, I eat Advil like M&Ms. getting old sucks.
Good luck,
Jay
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