Lower Back Issues

[moosicman]

hi there

i am a new comer to diving and plan to get my cert. in late oct/early nov. but i have a hesitation... i have a bit (not overwhelming) of deginerative disk deterioration in my lower back. i also have a bit of a neck problem from time to time....
neither of these give me problems but about once or twice a year & can occur picking up concrete blocks or picking up a pencil. its not instantly debilitating (i could still swim upon initial irritation) but i'm wondering if should consider NOT getting certed....i'm pretty sure i want to because i don't want this small issue to dictate my lifestyle...if it were something much more serious then ok...but not this...or should i think again....any thoughts????

[DivingsInMyBlood]

You could always have a chat with DAN (divers alert network) or your doctor about this, im no expert on any of this.

[moosicman]

how or where do i access this DAN??? and thanks for your reply !!!!!

[Kokomo]

I have low back issues that sound very similar to yours. I've been diving over a year and have not had any problems whatsoever.

[DivingsInMyBlood]

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/

Give this a shot and read through the medical questions on there in the menu.

[CaptainRon]

I just had back surgery in July of this year for a herniated disk. I would not worry about diving. Just be careful carrying equipment while on the surface. Once you're in the water, the stresses on your back are greatly decreased. If your problems are like mine were, when an episode came on, I would have plenty of time to conclude the dive. For me it was not until after I had sat down that the debilitating pain would start. As long as I was actively moving, I was OK. The only problem would be the inability to continue with a dive vacation once an episode started. That would be a bummer if you were somewhere like the Caribbean. As a matter of fact, that is one of the reasons I went ahead with the surgery. Didn't want anything to spoil a dive trip. By the way, I wish I had not waited so long to get the surgery done. Had it done on a Tuesday and by Sunday I was sitting on the beach recovering, although I was still a little sore for a few weeks after.

I say go for it!

[WaScubaDude]

Originally Posted by moosicman

hi there

i am a new comer to diving and plan to get my cert. in late oct/early nov. but i have a hesitation... i have a bit (not overwhelming) of deginerative disk deterioration in my lower back. i also have a bit of a neck problem from time to time....
neither of these give me problems but about once or twice a year & can occur picking up concrete blocks or picking up a pencil. its not instantly debilitating (i could still swim upon initial irritation) but i'm wondering if should consider NOT getting certed....i'm pretty sure i want to because i don't want this small issue to dictate my lifestyle...if it were something much more serious then ok...but not this...or should i think again....any thoughts????

I deal with similar issues. Herniated disk at c-5 ( neck) as well as lower back pain. I got good drugs from my doc that I take from time to time when it flares up. On shore dives I keep the weights seperate from the rig and carry each right to the shore. I also inflate the bc and float it in the water and slide into it as needed. It's funny because I am strong as an ox, but sometimes my back or neck bother me. Like me, don't be afraid to ask your db for help. Think smart and dive on!

[JCAT]

2 herniated disks operated on, 1 broken leg and ripped tendons operated on, small neck fracture not operated on, internal bleeding from old injuries, numerous other stays in the hospital....(good thing I'm married to an RN)

Heck, the only time I feel good is WHEN I am diving!!

Find a doctor who dives to check you out and get in the water.

[TxScubaBear]

Originally Posted by JCAT

2 herniated disks operated on, 1 broken leg and ripped tendons operated on, small neck fracture not operated on, internal bleeding from old injuries, numerous other stays in the hospital....(good thing I'm married to an RN)

Heck, the only time I feel good is WHEN I am diving!!

Find a doctor who dives to check you out and get in the water.

OUCH
Thought I was bad with (total of) 5 knee surgeries, back fusion, left rotator cuff....and YES- when diving it's awesome! Seems actually kind of healing in a way

[Doghouse]

One option if you beach dive is to get one of those lawn wagons they have at lowes and Home Depot. Nice wide wheels to get down the beach. I load my gear and tank into that, then pull it to the shore. assemble your stuff at the edge, and float it out of the wagon. Makes life much easier!