Back Support

[englishprof]

Anyone familiar with Cabela's Back Support Wading Belt? Does it work? Worth the purchase? Opinions on other back support methids?
Thanks in advance,

 

[wetnet]

Physical therapy, if you can get it. If that doesn't work they can usually set you up with the best support options. Support can sometimes make things worse by allowing the muscles that support the back to weaken further. If it came to having to wear back support and not being able to fish I'd go for the support. Sometimes a pharmacist can help. They see what's being prescribed to patients. I had back surgery and back problems are no fun so good luck and glad to hear your are still fishing.

 

[AlwaysWading]

When I am spending an entire day on the stream I make sure to wear my back support, which can be readily purchased at any building supply store. They are meant for those building houses, etc, but it works like a charm to help your back through a day of wading, walking water, and fishing C&R.

 

[fritz]

I just suffer.

 

[wetnet]

I'm sorry. I've felt your pain and nobody would ever understand unless they experienced it. I worked, fished, had lengthy (Too Lengthy) conversations and in as much agony I was in no one noticed. I fished by the seat of my pants or should I say waders because it was the one thing that made me feel good despite the pain. Wore them out too. Not everyone should consider surgery for me it was just to the point that I had no life. Couldn't shop for groceries, fold clothes, walk for any length of time and I just cringed when people made me wait in line. I wanted to cry. Actually one man did notice and it was at a Walmart and let he me go ahead of him in line. I will never forget his kindness, because I was close to tears. I still have upper back pain, but nothing I can't live with. All due to a fall on ice. Wearing the wrong stupid shoes. Should have known better.

 

[gfen]

Simms has two models, one bigger than the other. THere's also a Hodgson (which appears to be the same as Cabela's) and a Fishpond belt.

I'm fat, I bought the Fishpond. Movers' belt does a dandy job if you don't need a wading belt, too.

 

[osprey]

Check out The Fishing Buddy , it's a combination wading staff/bicycle seat you can actually plant it in the streambottom and lean back on the bicycle seat releives the pressure , i only have one leg i bought it for that reason but they made it for exactly what you need it for , they probably have a website , i'll dig in my stuff and see if i can get you some more info , in the meantime the shop is in either Ligonier or Latrobe , they have a listed # i have talked with them a couple times , GOOD LUCK

 

[fritz]

Yo Wetnet--I don't hurt to that degree. You've had a rough go--I hope it's better for you forever.

 

[ezpickins]

Just another thought

I used to always have a sore lower back, stiff neck and shoulders, after a day on the stream (I thought this fishing was supposed to be relaxing!)

What helped me quite a bit was to get rid of the fishing vest. I switched to a waist-style fishing pack. It made a big difference for me.

I think having the extra weight of all the fishing paraphernalia hanging off the front of my body caused me to have bad posture and to tense up.

Anyway - it might not help everybody - but it really alleviated my problems.

 

[TimMurphy]

Dear englishprof,

I'll second the Simms belt and also add that maybe switching to a pack and not a vest will help you too.

Another thing is if you wear chest waders keep the shoulder straps a little on the loose side. That helps to eliminate the shoulder straps pulling down on your shoulders as you walk and wade.

Regards,
Tim Murphy

 

[scotto]

Tim,

That is an excellent point about the wader straps. I lenghtened mine and am much less tired. I was amazed how much it helped. I also use a waist pack, for me less tiring than a vest.

 

[jaybo41]

Count me in for another one who agrees with Tim about the suspenders. It really does make a difference. I'll also attest to the Simms belt working well.

So pretty much Tim, you nailed it

 

[dano]

I've tried quite a few. The best are those that offer Back and Abdominal support.
THe ones made for fishing gave minimal help. The construction trade type offer better support and I wore mine under the waders. I wore the non-suspender type and one which can be cinched up to your comfort level.
The best one I've used is the one I have now. It's a medical type brace with a removable 12 inch plate in the back and a 6 inch plate up front. I wear it under my waders. It's a type used for post lumbar surgery. What a difference it made. And the price is reasonable.
Last week I was able to spend a full day on the stream, taking breaks now and then.
It's funny but, when the fishing is good, the back doesn't seem to bother me much.

 

[Van_Cleaver]

I use a Hodgman Belt which doubles as a wading belt and has handy loops for nets, etc. I have been in construction for many years and have lower back issues, though not totally debilitating. I stopped wearing a vest several years ago. Instead I wear a chest pack over my left shoulder with the waist strap tight enough to carry most of the load. When I need to access the bag, I just drop the shoulder strap and spin it. I fished many hours yesterday. and my back felt fine. Everything else was sore, but oh, well.

 

[pcray1231]

I've had some middle back soreness for a while. It would always get bad while fishing. The thing that helped me was getting rid of the vest. I use a Richardson for flies and a waste pouch for tippet, shot, keys, etc. Been much better on my back. As others have said, anything to get the weight off your shoulders, get rid of the vest. Use a chest box, pack, anything that makes you feel more comfortable. While suffering is one way to get through it, making yourself more comfortable makes fishing more enjoyable, and you'll be more willing to spend a full day on the water without getting exhausted.

Now, I just gotta stop tent camping, sleeping on the ground made my back sore at the jam!

 

[afishinado]

I switched from a vest to a chest pack a while back, and my sore back problems went away. The other day I fished a lake for bluegills and wanted to travel light, so I put a fly box, some tippet spools and some odds and ends in a vest, along with a couple bottles of water in the rear of the vest..........sore back and shoulders within an hour! Never again.

 

[troutbert]

If you have back pain, take yoga and pilates classes. They increase strength, flexibility, range of motion etc. I take them at the local YMCA, where they are pretty inexpensive.

Start out with a beginners, or "gentle" class. Or at least a moderate level class.

Do NOT take a high level, intense class to start out.

But a gentle to moderate level class is one of the best things you can do for your back. Many doctors and physical therapists are recommending that people take these classes.

Back supports and pain killers etc. may be helpful on a temporary basis, but they are working on the symptoms, not working on the causes. The exercise classes actually improve your physical condition.

 

[wetnet]

troubert, I disagree.

Go to a specialist. I know I suggested physical therapy but you can't get it without seeing someone first. If you have a back problem you need to find out the how and why before doing any exercise. You can do more harm then good. I walked around with a broken back and didn't know it. Pilates and Yoga wouldn't have been a good thing at the time. I do agree that back braces are not the answer.

 

[troutbert]

I agree that it's good to get things checked out before beginning an exercise program. Particularly if you've had an accident, getting the scans done to see if you've broken something makes a great deal of sense.