A question about back injury and kayaking - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

kayakfisherman · 09-16-2015, 06:44 AM

Mike,

I'm due for surgery the first of next year. I too was in total pain at the tourney. But, I'm the opposite. I can't stand. I can sit all day, but can't stand or walk for any given time. This has been going on, off and on, since 2009. That's why I'm having surgery.

My advice is this. Give your injury time to heal. If it doesn't within a month or so, then go and have surgery. Because it's no way to live.

Ice your back as often as you can, and don't aggravate it. Good luck. Yanni

ctfphoto · 09-16-2015, 06:49 AM

Bummer thread guys .......

... as I sit here NOT Fishing today because of pain in my back, hip, and knee.

I will be doing and researching the stretching route, Considering seeing a PT.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have decided to fight old age by going all in .............. exercise will make you live longer, even if there is some pain involved.

WARRIORMIKE · 09-16-2015, 07:10 AM

You should go check out one of those Asian massage places. I hear they can fix you right up!

sandico · 09-16-2015, 08:32 AM

I don't have any disc issues but a work related injury 8 years ago in the low back still gives me lots of pain at times. Been the Dr. and PT route and found that once you find stretches that work for you they can help with the pain and even strengthen your muscles around the back and your core. I have seen the most benefit from doing hot yoga. Dr's and PT said yoga can be very helpful and the wife was going so I gave it a shot. Doing stretches for an hour in a heated class room can kick your but, but I do feel better when done. Work in progress. I will also have to hit the meds when the pain is to bad. Back pain sucks!

FlyFishinYakr · 09-16-2015, 10:42 AM

Sorry to hear about your back issues Mike.
There could be many reasons for the pain you're suffering. It might be as simple as gaining too much weight (due to advancing age), poor posture, a chronic muscle spasm, or as Andy (my Physical Therapist and confirmed by my orthopedic surgeon) wearing a thick wallet in your back pocket.

I suffered a work related back injury back in 2007, however mine got worse with time. I had pain, tingling, muscle spasms, weakness and intermittent loss of function in my lower extremities. In 2009 it got so bad I couldn't work any longer and haven't been able to work since. It also severely limited my outdoor/fishing time and after August 2013 I could no longer fish for 12 hour a day like I used to, stand on the bank of a stream searching for/watching trout rise for hours and load/unload my kayak by myself. I've not seen the water since.

After being examined by a couple of orthopedic surgeons it was decided it was necessary to have a couple MRI's performed. My result was very much like Brandon's with the exception that there is no gap between the L5-S1 discs, just a dark line (no gap and misaligned/herniated discs).
As it was explained to me, there are "o-rings" between our discs filled with liquid that acts as gaskets that keep the discs separate. It is between these gaps that our nerve roots exit the spine and are susceptible to damage. I tore open the o-ring (it's called an "anular tear") in my L5-S1 gap that resulted in the fluid leaking out and there being no gap and over time and without it, the discs are pinching the nerves to my lower body.

If after the course of your current recovery program, your still in pain, I would recommend you obtain a referral for an Orthopedic surgeon and receive a more thorough exam and expert opinion. Let him decide a course of action and discuss your options.
I hope it's something simple and not as serious as Brandon's or my situation.
Best wishes,
FFY

icelogger · 10-07-2015, 03:05 PM

Hey Mike,

Sorry to hear about your back situation. I've had many back injuries and have been to many different types of treatment centers. Most have not worked but a couple have. A combination of chiropractic treatment and physical therapy that work specifically together on your back issues is the best combination.

I am currently in my 5th week of Chiro and PT for a rotated and locked L5, a locked up sacroiliac joint, Periformis injury, facet syndrome, and degenerative disc disease. As you see a lot of things going on. But I am finally returning to work next week. I am currently about 85% recovered.

The link below is a guideline of treatment that I am getting in Minnesota . It explains the method and the type of treatment that really works. Its the combination of chiro and PT, and home exercises that make all the difference. Maybe you have a similar clinic in your area. And steroids are a temporary fix that can hurt you more if there is something more serious going on.

http://www.dmrmethod.com/dmr-method/

Cheers buddy,

Get Well!

Justin

Harry Hill · 09-17-2015, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctfphoto

Bummer thread guys .......

... as I sit here NOT Fishing today because of pain in my back, hip, and knee.

I will be doing and researching the stretching route, Considering seeing a PT.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have decided to fight old age by going all in .............. exercise will make you live longer, even if there is some pain involved.

I had both my knees replaced in the last year so I have a hard time getting into my yak, I have to get it floating then drop my butt into the seat, landing is worse because I have to get my feet under me and it's hard to get up from a low position. I worry about launching in the surf the first time and I'll probably have problems when I come in. But I still want to fish La Jolla.

Kayak_Bernie · 09-17-2015, 03:23 PM

Man Mike that sucks, I've hurt my back a few times and that was just a pulled muscle. I feel for you brother! My girlfriend had a bad sciatica issue a few years ago and yoga really helped her. specifically a type of yoga called Vinyasa Flow Yoga, lots of stretching and not in a crazy hot room. Since she got into yoga the stretches that she has learned have helped keep the pain at bay very well. I know lots of people are throwing out lots of advice, but main thing is find something that works for you and keep at it. Also remember if some thing or someone is claiming things that seem too good to be true, it probably is...

chris138 · 09-17-2015, 03:38 PM

I had bad sciatic pain several years back. Doc told me I had a cracked vertebrae (broken back essentially) and that i need to have surgery and have my spine fused to fix it. I told him basically to go F himself and started stretching religiously. 6 months later, back still "broken", no pain of any kind. So glad I didn't have surgery. Nearly 10 years later I'm totally good, though who knows what will come in the future.

In my experience, a good foam roller is just about as important a kayak accessory as any other.

Oh ya, and x2 on the "natural" pain relief!

radastaff · 09-17-2015, 09:13 PM

wow
lot of guys with back issues here

Lots of good advice too.
I have had pinched nerves and sciatic nerve issues.
Mostly time and stretching helps.

Takes up to a month to heal after a flare up typically,
with the sciatic a few months.

Being a carpenter does not help.

If your stomach muscles are not strong, they will have a hard time supporting your back, so strengthening them should help further injury.
Thing is , its hard to strengthen when your hurting.

I found super feet boot inserts make a big diff for me with decent arch support(got high arches)

Doing rep leg lifts to a 90degree and hold helps too in the morning.
Not sleeping on the couch helps too.

For kayaking I bought a small thermarest cushion
keep it half under my seat, half at my lower back.
made a big diff for those 12 hour days...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...0E34PS1E6QWGBX

Cbad Mike · 09-18-2015, 06:08 PM

Hey guys,
Thanks to all for the information and taking the time to reply.
I have to say that things are improving some most likely from all of the stretching and steroids.
Surgery will be definitely a last resort.
The need to get back on the water seems a little stronger than the pain right now so I may try this coming week.
I really do appreciate the feedback and replies.

Thanks again,
Mike

09-16-2015, 10:42 AM	#5
FlyFishinYakr Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Nor Cal...30 min from Bodega/Tomales Bay, 1hr from Clear Lake, 2+ hr to Berryessa & the Delta Posts: 729	Sorry to hear about your back issues Mike. There could be many reasons for the pain you're suffering. It might be as simple as gaining too much weight (due to advancing age), poor posture, a chronic muscle spasm, or as Andy (my Physical Therapist and confirmed by my orthopedic surgeon) wearing a thick wallet in your back pocket. I suffered a work related back injury back in 2007, however mine got worse with time. I had pain, tingling, muscle spasms, weakness and intermittent loss of function in my lower extremities. In 2009 it got so bad I couldn't work any longer and haven't been able to work since. It also severely limited my outdoor/fishing time and after August 2013 I could no longer fish for 12 hour a day like I used to, stand on the bank of a stream searching for/watching trout rise for hours and load/unload my kayak by myself. I've not seen the water since. After being examined by a couple of orthopedic surgeons it was decided it was necessary to have a couple MRI's performed. My result was very much like Brandon's with the exception that there is no gap between the L5-S1 discs, just a dark line (no gap and misaligned/herniated discs). As it was explained to me, there are "o-rings" between our discs filled with liquid that acts as gaskets that keep the discs separate. It is between these gaps that our nerve roots exit the spine and are susceptible to damage. I tore open the o-ring (it's called an "anular tear") in my L5-S1 gap that resulted in the fluid leaking out and there being no gap and over time and without it, the discs are pinching the nerves to my lower body. If after the course of your current recovery program, your still in pain, I would recommend you obtain a referral for an Orthopedic surgeon and receive a more thorough exam and expert opinion. Let him decide a course of action and discuss your options. I hope it's something simple and not as serious as Brandon's or my situation. Best wishes, FFY Last edited by FlyFishinYakr; 09-16-2015 at 10:59 AM. Reason: Grammar

09-17-2015, 03:23 PM	#8
Kayak_Bernie Live Watersports ProStaff Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Rolando Village Posts: 224	Sucks Man Man Mike that sucks, I've hurt my back a few times and that was just a pulled muscle. I feel for you brother! My girlfriend had a bad sciatica issue a few years ago and yoga really helped her. specifically a type of yoga called Vinyasa Flow Yoga, lots of stretching and not in a crazy hot room. Since she got into yoga the stretches that she has learned have helped keep the pain at bay very well. I know lots of people are throwing out lots of advice, but main thing is find something that works for you and keep at it. Also remember if some thing or someone is claiming things that seem too good to be true, it probably is... __________________ Heroes on the Water SoCal Chapter Safety Director

09-17-2015, 09:13 PM	#10
radastaff Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 314	wow lot of guys with back issues here Lots of good advice too. I have had pinched nerves and sciatic nerve issues. Mostly time and stretching helps. Takes up to a month to heal after a flare up typically, with the sciatic a few months. Being a carpenter does not help. If your stomach muscles are not strong, they will have a hard time supporting your back, so strengthening them should help further injury. Thing is , its hard to strengthen when your hurting. I found super feet boot inserts make a big diff for me with decent arch support(got high arches) Doing rep leg lifts to a 90degree and hold helps too in the morning. Not sleeping on the couch helps too. For kayaking I bought a small thermarest cushion keep it half under my seat, half at my lower back. made a big diff for those 12 hour days... http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...0E34PS1E6QWGBX Last edited by radastaff; 09-17-2015 at 09:18 PM.

09-18-2015, 06:08 PM	#11
Cbad Mike Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Carlsbad Ca. Posts: 1,206	Hey guys, Thanks to all for the information and taking the time to reply. I have to say that things are improving some most likely from all of the stretching and steroids. Surgery will be definitely a last resort. The need to get back on the water seems a little stronger than the pain right now so I may try this coming week. I really do appreciate the feedback and replies. Thanks again, Mike __________________ [SIGPIC]

09-16-2015, 06:44 AM	#1
kayakfisherman Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 715	Mike, I'm due for surgery the first of next year. I too was in total pain at the tourney. But, I'm the opposite. I can't stand. I can sit all day, but can't stand or walk for any given time. This has been going on, off and on, since 2009. That's why I'm having surgery. My advice is this. Give your injury time to heal. If it doesn't within a month or so, then go and have surgery. Because it's no way to live. Ice your back as often as you can, and don't aggravate it. Good luck. Yanni

09-16-2015, 06:49 AM	#2
ctfphoto Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 901	Bummer thread guys ....... ... as I sit here NOT Fishing today because of pain in my back, hip, and knee. I will be doing and researching the stretching route, Considering seeing a PT. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I have decided to fight old age by going all in .............. exercise will make you live longer, even if there is some pain involved.

09-16-2015, 07:10 AM	#3
WARRIORMIKE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 303	You should go check out one of those Asian massage places. I hear they can fix you right up!

09-16-2015, 08:32 AM	#4
sandico Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 94	I don't have any disc issues but a work related injury 8 years ago in the low back still gives me lots of pain at times. Been the Dr. and PT route and found that once you find stretches that work for you they can help with the pain and even strengthen your muscles around the back and your core. I have seen the most benefit from doing hot yoga. Dr's and PT said yoga can be very helpful and the wife was going so I gave it a shot. Doing stretches for an hour in a heated class room can kick your but, but I do feel better when done. Work in progress. I will also have to hit the meds when the pain is to bad. Back pain sucks!

10-07-2015, 03:05 PM	#6
icelogger Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: All over the country Posts: 109	Hey Mike, Sorry to hear about your back situation. I've had many back injuries and have been to many different types of treatment centers. Most have not worked but a couple have. A combination of chiropractic treatment and physical therapy that work specifically together on your back issues is the best combination. I am currently in my 5th week of Chiro and PT for a rotated and locked L5, a locked up sacroiliac joint, Periformis injury, facet syndrome, and degenerative disc disease. As you see a lot of things going on. But I am finally returning to work next week. I am currently about 85% recovered. The link below is a guideline of treatment that I am getting in Minnesota . It explains the method and the type of treatment that really works. Its the combination of chiro and PT, and home exercises that make all the difference. Maybe you have a similar clinic in your area. And steroids are a temporary fix that can hurt you more if there is something more serious going on. http://www.dmrmethod.com/dmr-method/ Cheers buddy, Get Well! Justin

09-17-2015, 03:38 PM	#9
chris138 donkey roper Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Pacific Beach Posts: 968	I had bad sciatic pain several years back. Doc told me I had a cracked vertebrae (broken back essentially) and that i need to have surgery and have my spine fused to fix it. I told him basically to go F himself and started stretching religiously. 6 months later, back still "broken", no pain of any kind. So glad I didn't have surgery. Nearly 10 years later I'm totally good, though who knows what will come in the future. In my experience, a good foam roller is just about as important a kayak accessory as any other. Oh ya, and x2 on the "natural" pain relief!