lower back problems

[<fearthepain>]

I am in my first year in this field, and I am suffering from lower back problems. I was wondering if you vets out there also have had a history of back pain. Just trying to see if I am alone out there, but I have a feeling I am not.
Any comments or suggestions would be extremely valuable!

[<macgyver>]

Welcome to the club. :D

[Dave McCain]

Here are some tips:

--DO NOT stand with most of your weight on one part of your body. For example, if your camera is on your right side, don't lean with the weight on your right side. Stand up straight at all times, even when your shooting!

--Use your tripod, if you can, most of the time. Common sense here, folks. . .

--When you get home, stretch out on the floor, with pillows under your knees. Remain in this position for about 10 minutes. You may fall asleep ( haha ) but it will help you.

It's important to remember to just cut out bad habits. I know three photogs who had to undergo physical therapy just because of back problems
( one of them actually had to undergo surgery ). Just take care of yourself. I haven't had any back problems in the eight years I've been working as a shooter. Granted, I haven't had lots of years behind me like others here in this forum. But to me, it's common snese. Treat your body right and you'll be okay!
:cool:

[Shaky & Blue]

Most of my pains have been in the upper part of my back, particularly between my shoulder blades. It helps tremendously to work out regularly.

[<Kent KMSP>]

Dave McCain makes some excellent points. The twin cities has a whole buncha photogs in their 40's and 50's who are all on the street every day. I've got to ask what shape are you in? Every now and then one of us 'older timers' have something go wrong, but those are few and far between. (Think back to our old 2 piece camera 3/4" deck days with the 30 volt light belt *and* carrying the sticks as well!!). I've got 48 years on these legs and they're still going strong (and my photo chief just assured me a few more years by getting me a new set of light weight fiber legs). Use common sense when picking up your equipment, and use common sense when taking care of your body! A little physical conditioning can go a long way. I'd guess I've lost less than 10 to 15 days total due to various body pain over my 18 years at KMSP. When I've injured myself I'm quickly in my doctor's office to be checked over and if needed have been prescribed anti inflammatory meds which have solved any minor problems I've had over the years.

If you're fairly young, maybe a conversation with a body trainer at the local YMCA/health club could keep you in shape and keep you in this fun television news job for years to come.

Kent

[<Mi3ke>]

I blew my L4/L5 out three years ago. I never want to go thru that pain again. Since then I been to the Chiro, and that worked. After a while I started going to a massage therapist every three weeks for $60 a visit. AND i just discovered yoga last week, at $10/class. Wow, what a difference. My whole body feels good. Wear a back brace if you can. take a load off. Most of all, take care of your body. you only have one.

Cheers, mi3ke

[HighDef]

When I first started shooting, I had the same problems with my neck and back. Now my body has grown custom to the changes. I think our bodies have to get used to the daily rigors of our camera, and other equipment we carry daily. Just practice good technique when lifting and carrying. Working out, lifting, running...etc, helps the soreness.

[shootist]

It's 5:18 am. I'm headed out the door to the gym right now, though I'm running a little late. I'll be home just in time to see my son off to school at 8:40.

Just the price to pay to stay happy and healthy.

[(Sin)ical]

I've never really thrown my back out through shooting or carrying equipment. It usually happens to me while moving myself, or friends who provide the beer. I don't really experience pain per say, but I constantly have stress. I don't know how many of you have ever seen "North Dallas Forty" (the greatest football movie of all time), but I am a lot like Nick Nolte's character in that movie. Every bone in my body pops and cracks all the time. My ankles pop when I walk, and my back and neck pop all the time. I'm sure that someday I'll be in for some severe arthritis pain, but it has not effected my shooting as of yet. Straightening out in the floor has worked the best for me, along with much popping. I don't really need a Chiropractor, but I do love a good deep tissue massage. Talk to your brethren, and see if you can find a masseusse to hook up your shop once a month. I'm sure if you all pitch in, you could each get an hour for a flat group rate. I'm not talking about any happy endings...but a real massage. A cheaper suggestion is to find a petite female to walk up your entire back(buttocks to shoulder blades). If you choose the latter option...make sure you tell her to stay away from the actual spine. You do not want any of that damage. :eek:

[photog1199]

Don't know if this had anything to do with it, but a couple years ago we had two or three of our guys hurt their backs when they were getting their cameras out of the trunk of their Crown Vics. After that we switched to all SUV(Ford Explorers to be exact) we haven't had any problems since. But like I said, don't know if the bending over into the trunk was the problem or not. We have also completely converted to Sony DNW-9WS SX cameras, which are alot lighter than our old SP rigs.

[Sportsguy]

I have particular trouble every fall. I've spent the entire summer shooting off of sticks, and then football and basketball season come around.

My shoulder gets sore at first, but after a week or so, I'm used to the grind again...

Best advice? Stretch before shooting. Your body will thank you for it!