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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
L5
Posted By: Kris Buttermore In Response To: Paddling with a bad back (Jay Doorly)
Date: Monday, 15 November 2004, at 11:39 a.m.
I have and "indistinct L5" which means is it a bit underformed/developed/whatever. Real world - that means it can slip easier.
I also had a badly performed lumbar puncture (spinal tap) done while in the Navy (trainee's first time!) that left some residual nerve damage and a memory of a sort of pain I'd sooner forget (but would be visited by many times after).
Add to this that fact that I've carried too much weight on my body most of my life, and you can guess the rest: Chronic episodes that would lay me up for 4-5 days, barely able to get to the bathroom. One was so painful I blacked out for 45 minutes. Others just started with a strange shock or ripping feeling - then the pain would rapidly build as all the adjacent musculature went into spasm. Used to happen every few months. Sometimes bending or twisting, but just as often not.
I have not had a serious problem for 3 years now. What changed? I started paddling! That's right. Torso powered paddling has strengthened my core to the point I don't even think about it unless reading threads like this.
Core strength, as others have said, is absolutely the key. Paddling over distance (not lily dipping around ponds) is nearly perfect exercise for this.
For this sort of paddling, proper upright posture and a good low back band that ALLOW for good rotation are musts. I see a lot of advice about adding pads, more cushy seats, and other "comfort" items. All I can say is, good luck.
Cushy stuff can encourage exactly the wrong things. The LAST thing you want is a rigid/immobile back. That will force you into arm paddling - and make your back transmit all the force to the boat though one spot - which is almost always the exact wrong spot.
Rotation (with spine erect) is very important to lower back health for several reasons:
1. The greater the range of motion spreads the load over more muscles. That means less stress, soreness, and damage to any one spot.
2. The circulation to the area is greatly increased. More O2, more fuel, and more heat all relieve strain.
3. The constant motion lubricates the spine and hip joints.
4. Each stroke imparts a gentle stretch to the off side. You do not get this sitting back in a "comfortable" kayak seat.
The spine was designed to move, not be kept in some static "correct" support position. When I get in my kayak on a good day I can barely touch my toes. When I get out after 15 miles or so, I can ALWAYS touch my toes. If your boat is set up right, it should leave you more flexible than when you started. If you are the opposite, you've some outfitting, and exercise, to do.
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