Chronic Back Ache
Jan 7, 2013 14:17:24 #
Hi there,
I have had a previous back operation & recently had two neck operations. As you can imagine it hurts like hell & now the middle of my back is starting to give me real problems. Does anyone have any suggestions (apart from stop Photography!) on how to overcome or work around such a problem.
This morning, by the time I had my tripod up my back was done for & screaming no more! Someone suggested a monopod on a ball head? It's the bending over or down that does it. This morning was the first time I actually thought enough's enough & I'm stilling having those thought.
So it's not a sob story, it's photographers (as we like to call ourselves) banging out some ideas for a very F'd off bloke.
Thanks for reading. Cheers. Mark
I have had a previous back operation & recently had two neck operations. As you can imagine it hurts like hell & now the middle of my back is starting to give me real problems. Does anyone have any suggestions (apart from stop Photography!) on how to overcome or work around such a problem.
This morning, by the time I had my tripod up my back was done for & screaming no more! Someone suggested a monopod on a ball head? It's the bending over or down that does it. This morning was the first time I actually thought enough's enough & I'm stilling having those thought.
So it's not a sob story, it's photographers (as we like to call ourselves) banging out some ideas for a very F'd off bloke.
Thanks for reading. Cheers. Mark
Jan 7, 2013 14:44:16 #
Have you considered using a back brace similar to the ones warehouse
workers use? They provide support while being flexible.
workers use? They provide support while being flexible.
Jan 7, 2013 14:50:52 #
To be honest. NO! And it's a very obvious helpful answer to which I will be looking into. I used to have one 25 years ago when I had a bike and it served me well half way round Aus. Thank you very much for a quick & hopeful answer.
Cheers
Mark
Cheers
Mark
Jan 7, 2013 15:04:14 #
Mark, I can totally sympathise mate. Like most sheep farmers, I suffer from a bad back.
I have found tremendous relief by using an elastic back belt, the sort you can buy in any sports shop. Also I use a wieght-lifters belt sometimes. Both will give relief but also it keeps you aware that your back's not right and reminds you to keep your posture correct. i.e. NO SLOUCHING!
As to the actual photography, not many ideas as I don't usually feel like photographing much when the old back's playing up!
I have found tremendous relief by using an elastic back belt, the sort you can buy in any sports shop. Also I use a wieght-lifters belt sometimes. Both will give relief but also it keeps you aware that your back's not right and reminds you to keep your posture correct. i.e. NO SLOUCHING!
As to the actual photography, not many ideas as I don't usually feel like photographing much when the old back's playing up!
Jan 7, 2013 15:13:46 #
Hi Farmer Jim. No I don't feel like doing anything when my back's gone apart from grab the extremely strong painkillers that knock me out! It aches 24/7 so if there is anyway to carry on without it hurting then that would be good. These back straps seem to be the way especially if they remind you of your posture as mine has gone to pot. Happy farming buddy. Cheers.
Mark
Mark
Jan 7, 2013 15:14:55 #
maybe alight weight stool,sitting to shoot. i also ride a scooter and use a monopod. if your back hurts that much,i don't see you doing that much walking.
Jan 7, 2013 15:27:40 #
Yes, cobbm! I'm sorry for your pain! I'm in the middle of a pack injury too and I find the best thing to do is to not let yourself get tired. Take short rests between efforts and longer rests between bouts of pain! Try not to get discouraged! We each have to play the cards we're dealt so may as well make the most of it!
cobbm wrote:
Hi there, br I have had a previous back operation ... (show quote)
Jan 7, 2013 16:31:02 #
hi cobbm i broke my back just like you by the time I had my tripod up my back was done for no more! Someone suggested just like you a monopod on a ball head? .i got one they are very light and do the job good luck
Jan 7, 2013 19:53:58 #
Tamurman many thanks for your reply. I will probably do both. Get some form of back support & a monopod. Hopefully sething will go good.
Keep healthy my man
Take care
Cheers
Mark
Keep healthy my man
Take care
Cheers
Mark
Jan 7, 2013 20:03:50 #
Ever try a TENS unit? Electrical nerve stimulation. Small little unit( hooks to belt)....varied patterns & intensities.
Jan 7, 2013 20:14:56 #
cobbm wrote:
Hi there, br I have had a previous back operation ... (show quote)
Hi Mark.So sorry about your problem.
I have arthritis in my neck, and calcified tendonitis in my upper arms. What has helped me more than anything else is an electrical pulse machine.I keep it in my pocket after I attach the electrodes where the pain is unrelenting. It is adjustable to better mask the pain.The electrodes transmit the pulse to the problem area.If the pain is really bad, I crank it up and it really helps.I was prescribed one by my doctor.
TENS unit.
I wish you the best.Been there, doing that.
Annie
:cry:
Jan 8, 2013 06:35:51 #
If you have not done so already, I would see a pysiatrist, a physician who specializes in skeletomuscular problems. As mine says, there is not a problem that surgery cannot make worse and they fix the problems left over from surgery.
If you are in Chicago, I recommend Joel Press, MD, from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
Good luck and do not give up photography.
If you are in Chicago, I recommend Joel Press, MD, from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
Good luck and do not give up photography.
Jan 8, 2013 07:16:06 #
Hi Mark,
I know just what you are going through. I had lower back surgery in 2004 and this past September.
I noticed one of the post suggested using a mono pod, I use this and it helps, although as I am sure your well aware of a tripod often has to be used.
The leaning forward or bending like wise can be very painful. Several things that helps me out is Z-Coil shoes, elastic back support and if you are standing in one place for extended periods stress mat works as well.
I have been wearing Z-Coil shoes http://www.zcoil.com/ since my first back surgery in 2004. They take the stress off your legs, knees and back. If your on your feet a lot they make a difference.
Good luck,
Terry
I know just what you are going through. I had lower back surgery in 2004 and this past September.
I noticed one of the post suggested using a mono pod, I use this and it helps, although as I am sure your well aware of a tripod often has to be used.
The leaning forward or bending like wise can be very painful. Several things that helps me out is Z-Coil shoes, elastic back support and if you are standing in one place for extended periods stress mat works as well.
I have been wearing Z-Coil shoes http://www.zcoil.com/ since my first back surgery in 2004. They take the stress off your legs, knees and back. If your on your feet a lot they make a difference.
Good luck,
Terry
Jan 8, 2013 07:29:02 #
i have lower back problem,very painful,but acupuncture helped me a lot.
cobbm wrote:
Tamurman many thanks for your reply. I will probably do both. Get some form of back support & a monopod. Hopefully sething will go good.
Keep healthy my man
Take care
Cheers
Mark
Keep healthy my man
Take care
Cheers
Mark
Jan 8, 2013 07:34:47 #
I have neck problems (not as "pain in the") and use the optech elastic harness that I got from B&H. I can wear it all day with my D-7000, extra battery pack and SB800 flash. Distributes weight across shoulders and even use it when biking trails with the camera. I tried using straps to attach the camera to the "D" rings on my photo vest but that still transferred all the weight to the neck area too.
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