BWCA Back problems and portaging Boundary Waters Listening Point - General Discussion
Chat Rooms (0 Chatting)  |  Search  |   Login/Join
* For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed.
Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
   Listening Point - General Discussion
      Back problems and portaging     
 Forum Sponsor

Author

Text

10/16/2016 03:57PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
It would seem that age and abuse of my body may finally be catching up with me. I am looking at an unforeseen back surgery this coming week that may or may not result in a lumbar fusion. My primary concerns are not missing work time or pay checks while I recover, they are about the ability to resume doing the things that I love: namely hiking, camping, canoeing and fire fighting. My question to those of you who have also dealt with back problems is, how do you compensate for these on your trips into the BW? How have you adapted your packing and portaging? Are there any special methods you have adopted to make portaging packs less back intensive and more balanced? Any gear changes that you have found to be helpful? I'm not as concerned about the canoe portaging (normally my husband fields that) as I am about the pack portaging and the paddling. Any and all suggestions are gratefully appreciated!
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next
Savage Voyageur
distinguished member(14414)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished membermaster membermaster member
  
10/16/2016 05:01PM  
I have had a lot of back problems over the years. I now protect my back in a few ways. I don't try to be a strong man anymore allowing the younger guys to lift heavy packs. I also bend my knees keeping my back as straight as possible. This allows the weight to be distributed over my whole backbone instead of a couple of vertebrae. I do my back stretching in the morning too. Let your hubby carry the heavy stuff and you carry the PFDs and paddles. :)
 
dbpmw3
distinguished member (377)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/16/2016 05:15PM  
I had two back surgeries two months apart the year I turned 50. (I had run two mini marathons that year).
Next summer I took an easy trip into Wood Lake with a couple buddies and they portaged most of the gear. I lugged a fairly light weight pack.
Next year I was able to resume my normal tripping. I don't pack quite as heavy packs as I used too. Also, you will be told that twisting and turning is some of the most damaging things you can do. I try to have people help me get my pack on and off at the ends of the portages so I don't have to twist so much. I have lost a little in my ability but am still able to go and carry my own weight.
Listen to the doctors, do your rehab and take it easy next year and you will be able to return.
Best of luck!
 
10/16/2016 05:25PM  
Thanks guys! Its encouraging to hear that you're both back out there and doing what you love. Are you using a standard Granite Gear or Duluth Pack, or do you find that there has been a need to switch up to something with a frame? Do either of you counterbalance with a pack on the front, or is it better just to downsize the whole show and double portage? As you pointed out Savage, the keeping the back straight piece is difficult for me, and while it wasn't responsible for what is going on, I'm pretty sure my recent trip toting the GG pack didn't help anything! There will be plenty of work to be done on my body mechanics for sure.
 
SourisMan
distinguished member(583)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/16/2016 05:37PM  
I have occasional problems with back spasms, and take muscle relaxants on every trip. My advice...if you don't already have a Hellinox chair or something like it, get one. A relaxing sit (with back support) at the end of the day does wonders. My back also appreciates a good quality inflatable sleep pad.
 
Grandma L
distinguished member(5628)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
10/16/2016 05:48PM  
I am now 5 months out from an L3-4-5 fusion. I still have a 20 lb. lifting restriction and bending/twisting restrictions. I am not allowed to paddle a canoe because of the torso twisting that paddling requires. That being said, they tell me that by next May I will be able to paddle and carry about a 30 lb. pack. We are now transitioning to smaller packs. We would rather have several lighter packs (30 L) than those 40-50 pounders. My kids and grandkids will be the sherpas on my trips - I am just glad I can be back paddling.
One of my biggest recovery issues is that I am impatient and want to "get going"
Be patient and do what they tell you. I must say that I haven't been this "pain free" in years. I now walk 3-5 miles daily (at the mall) and am in better - overall shape.
 
mastertangler
distinguished member(4432)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
10/16/2016 05:57PM  
I was down for a month last December and wondered not only if I would ever trip again but if I would ever be able to work. Much prayer and seeking for wisdom during that month. I could barely make it from the couch to the toilet. I opted to avoid surgery if at all possible and started educating myself.

Although focused on athletes I gleaned much from this book which helped me immensely. The author has some tube videos which were also instrumental in setting me on the correct pathway.

Who knew that tight hamstrings and low back problems are related? That strong abdominal muscles support your spine? Core routines, stretching and yoga were very helpful to me but I believe my healing was Gods grace, given freely as a gift, made available to me at the Cross.

ultimate back fitness
 
10/16/2016 08:08PM  
Back and spinal cord issues are real so be willing to make life changes, if needed, that involve a healthier lifestyle. I am a strong believer in building muscle groups to help support injured areas and know personally when I do the exercises my physical therapist recommended I am able to do more and have little or no pain.
No surgery, although I was headed that way until I made some life changes.
And follow medical advice as already advised.
 
andym
distinguished member(5340)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
10/16/2016 08:11PM  
A good hip belt may help get weight off your shoulders and through your back and onto your hips.

And the old knupak was a frame with a good hip belt and U's on top of the frame to hold the canoe yoke. That makes a big difference and gets the weight on the hips and with a line to control the tilt of the canoe, gets the hands down into a more ergonomic position. Some people have made their own with oar locks for the U's. Still might not be a good idea after back surgery, though.
 
gkimball
distinguished member(655)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/16/2016 09:22PM  
I had serious back problems in my 20's, now 40 years past. All the advice about lifting properly, strengthening core muscles and not overdoing are what I had to adopt and never stop. I was able to backpack for many years using a JanSport external frame pack with a great hip suspension system for many years because it transferred enough weight that there was little or none on my shoulders. I now use a Granite Gear Superior One because it does a good job of this, although not as good as the JanSport. There are probably others and I would recommend personally confirming that a portage pack does this for you before buying it.

I also know when to NOT lift something because it is too heavy or because I can't lift it without putting too much stress on the lumbar area. Instinctive. No exceptions. Lighten the weight, get help, change the angle of the lift or just don't do it! Rest days in camp let my back rest and also helps to avoid over doing it on trips.
 
andym
distinguished member(5340)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
10/17/2016 12:59AM  
Another way to make life easier on our backs is to have someone else lift a pack and then slide your arms into it and buckle the hip belt. That can reduce rotational motions and sudden accelerations. I actually do that for my wife. She would risk hurting her shoulder putting her pack on herself but is fine portaging it and putting it down at the end.
 
BnD
distinguished member(810)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/17/2016 04:31AM  
I had the L4/L5 spinal fusion surgery in August 2012. We went on extended Quetico trip in June 2013. No issues. Pick your neurosurgeon very carefully, do ALL the rehab as prescribed by the surgeon and pray for a full recovery. I was fortunate and my back is essentially 100% with no limitations and no pain. Leading up to the surgery it was simply brutal pain from 2009 to 2012. I went through all the pain management, physical therapy, etc... with little to no results finally I couldn't take it and made the decision to have surgery. It is a long recovery but worth every minute. I am very careful with my back (proper lifting and DON'T lift and twist!) but I still portage the canoe or a 65-70# pack no problem. Good Luck.
 
PortageKeeper
distinguished member(2527)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/17/2016 06:30AM  
Since there are many different types of back problems, there may be many different answers to your question. I first learned that back problems are forever. Once I learned how to take care of my back, I have since avoided surgery or letting the problem get worse. Learn that there may be things that you cannot do - like fire fighting. Fire fighting would definitely be out for me. Sitting or laying certain ways are out for me. Certain types of lifting are out as well. That being said, learning to taking care of my back has allowed me to continue doing hiking, portaging, work around home etc. The stretching, especially in the morning, is a big step in the right direction. Don't do anything before stretching. Stretch little by little, not all at once, then move slowly into your routine. Years ago I was told by a surgeon that I was not a candidate for surgery. Several weeks later he called me back and said that he could do the surgery. I saw this as a red flag. Was he late on his yacht payment? The point is that because they will do the surgery, it doesn't necessarily mean that you need it. Get another opinion. I worry more about how well my pad is helping my back than portaging. Often the problem has less to do with carrying packs than what happens before you carry the packs. Let your back loosen up before putting it to work. That's not to say that proper lifting isn't important. Twisting while lifting is really bad, so avoid it like the plague. Your back probably needs months to heal - let it heal, then learn to take care of it.
 
10/17/2016 07:39AM  
When you first start out again---follow all of the advice on here. Lighter pack, have someone pick it up for ya and put it on your back, break up the paddling--get out and move around (sitting can be as bad as bending for stress to your back) learn how to lift (most of us think we know but we don't), work on your posture, work on your CORE and legs for strength when safe after surgery---get as strong as you can.

The avoiding surgery when possible advice is good. There are patients where that is the only option especially if you have neurological weakness or failed everything else---no one is trying to be preachy though do what's right for you.

A big pet peeve of mine is some surgeons don't send patients through a rehab strengthening program sometime after surgery. No decent orthopedic surgeon would do an ACL or total knee surgery and then just say well good luck hope it turns out ---they stress the PT/Rehab as essential to achieving full recovery. Even just a few sessions just to learn what exercises are appropriate. If nothing else get walking as soon as possible and what is tolerable and gradually progress to longer walking time and faster pace as pain allows.

If all else fails and recovery is tough with regular rehab go through a more intensive Rehab program such as this
PNBC The problem with back injuries is each person is unique so what worked for on person may or may not work for the next. Just throwing out other options. Of course you need to have the approval of the surgeon. I am not affiliated with the above program and ya don't need to go to that specific group it is just an example--there are many similar.

Good luck!

T
 
BobDobbs
distinguished member (472)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/17/2016 08:22AM  
Sorry to hear about your back woes, but glad to hear your interested in finding solutions.

youtube - "Farmer Walks".

seriously one of the best and simplest and cheapest excercises to fix yourself. The simplicity is such that you don't need to buy any fancy equipment (but you can if you want to). The main thing is to start light, and remember that consistency is sooooo much more important than intensity. Getting even 'somewhat' strong at these is going to translate into just about anything you do physically.
 
ozarkpaddler
distinguished member(5163)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
10/17/2016 11:13AM  
So sorry to hear about the back problems. Communicate your concerns and the importance you place to resume paddling and portaging with your physician. Everyone and every situation is different. My long time BWCAW partner was one whom did not do well post op and paddling is no longer an option.

Listen to your doctor and don't get in a hurry and "Push" it with the weight. Find a decent seat back and add a foot brace to your canoe. This may help your back when you return to the canoe? When you start back, be VERY careful at rocky, uneven landings. You may need to choose your routes to avoid such portages; at least for awhile. Do everything slowly and methodically. Take your time.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you will be back on the water next year!
 
Gadfly
distinguished member (462)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/17/2016 12:10PM  
quote SourisMan: " My advice...if you don't already have a Hellinox chair or something like it, get one. A relaxing sit (with back support) at the end of the day does wonders. My back also appreciates a good quality inflatable sleep pad. "

I purchased a Hellinox chair and I would agree that it is very comfortable and takes stress off my back. Just remember to get up and move around every now and then to keep your back from getting stiff.
 
10/17/2016 05:30PM  
I had a spinal fusion in my low back (3 -4), where the bend would be. Just shy of a year later, when I finally felt like I was going to be ok, I had to have the screws and plate removed. If you listen to your body and pay attention to how you do things you should be fine. :-) Time. Give yourself time to heal and get strong. It helps greatly if you keep yourself in shape. I kayak, canoe, backpack, snowshoe, hike, portage, sleep in a tent, and now, in my late 40's have started to run marathons. My hubby still worries and reminds me sometimes I am not invincible. I can tell when I have done too much.

Good luck to you!
 
10/17/2016 06:53PM  
I could absolutely hug each and every one of you for all the advice! And to know that there are so many of you out there with back problems who have continued to find ways to keep doing what you love is exactly what I needed to hear. There have been some frustrated, angry tears this week, and this was a good kick-in-the-pants cure for that! My take-aways are as follows: be smart about how much and how I lift, decent hip support is essential, a frame pack could be a benefit, and invest in a good camp chair. Most of all, be diligent about PT following surgery. One way or another, I will be back out there next season! Maybe a bit slower and a bit more conservatively packed, but I will be out there!
 
MikeinMpls
distinguished member(1338)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/18/2016 11:18AM  
I had back surgery in 2004. I rebounded fairly quickly and played hockey two months to the day following my discectomy.

I dunno if you have a choice, or you or someone else knows more about it than I do, but I had my surgery done by a neurosurgeon, not an orthopedic surgeon. It was recommended to me by two physician friends and another buddy. The physician friends noted that a neurosurgeon may be less likely to recommend fusion than an orthopedist. Again, this is just my experience. Yours or others mileage may vary.

As I get older I still have to baby my back as it "goes out" once in a while. Many of the suggestions made by others apply:

1. Learn and use proper lift mechanics. It is very easily to bend at the waist taking packs out at portages, which can mess you up.

2. Before you lift packs out of the canoe, look around the portage for places you can put the pack that will make it easier to get it on. A higher rock or step may allow you to place the pack higher and you can "slip" into the straps. This will insure you use your legs more to lift.

3. A belt and a chest harness will push the pack load a bit forward and more on your hips.

4. Pack the packs smartly. Weight higher and closer to your back will lessen potential injury.

5. Take time in the morning to stretch and warm up. Do the same throughout the day.

6. Make a deal with your tripping partner that if your back flares up, they'll carry the packs and the canoe. I know that sounds weird, but it lessens the chance that any back issues will be a surprise to them. My back went out this May during our trip to Jordan and Ima, and my wife had to carry the packs over one portage before I was able to.

7. Bring Ibuprofen.

Hope this helps.

Mike
 
Grandma L
distinguished member(5628)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
10/18/2016 12:57PM  
I found that a good spine specialist and physical therapist are essential. Choose your docs carefully! Their work will impact the rest of your life!!
 
10/22/2016 10:46PM  
I've had lower back surgery for a herniated disc and the key is always to make a full recovery before heaving weight around in the wilderness. What I've found is that building strong core muscles, lifting with the legs and avoiding awkward lifts (hoisting an aluminum canoe right up onto the shoulders might not be you anymore). Tump lines are magical for distributing pack weight nicely and for keeping your posture balanced on the portage trail, I had my mother in law sew some onto my packs. Finally, a good air pad to sleep on allows me to wake up feeling ready to hit the trail and carry a canoe the next morning. I'm 5 years removed from my discectomy, feeling better than ever and taking more trips than I ever did before. Hope this helps.
 
10/23/2016 10:07AM  
Thanks Anthony! Every bit of advice and know-how you guys can offer is going to help me get back out there successfully. I had my decompression surgery on Friday and am home recouping now. Happily, they didn't have to perform a fusion while they were in there as there wasn't much bone deterioration. The truly hard part now is going to be laying low and minding their instructions until therapy starts in four weeks. I've already started looking into and pricing out better sleeping pad systems for next season. I can't sew to save my life, but I'm betting I could find someone to custom make a tump line for the GG pack. It may save having to invest a couple hundred dollars into two smaller packs. There is going to have to be a good trial and error period with packing close to home next spring so I can find out exactly what will work for me before I head north!
 
10/23/2016 12:22PM  
I would suggest you check with doctor, therapist, rehab about the advisability using a tumpline and transferring much of the weight from your hips to your head, neck and spine.
 
10/23/2016 03:09PM  
quote boonie: "I would suggest you check with doctor, therapist, rehab about the advisability using a tumpline and transferring much of the weight from your hips to your head, neck and spine."


Do you think perhaps a referral to Sports Medicine rather than just regular PT might be helpful? I have worked with them to rehab a knee back in the roller derby and skiing days, but don't know if they'd consider backpacking a "sport" that they deal with. My next follow-up with neurosurgery is in three weeks, so this is something I should definitely check in on with my surgeon. Thanks for a good reminder Boonie!
 
10/23/2016 04:30PM  
I would seek as many qualified opinions as possible. There's more than one back problem. It's best to check about your specific back problem, not mine or his or backs in general.
 
andym
distinguished member(5340)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
10/23/2016 10:13PM  
Another thing one doesn't have to lift oneself is a canoe. I know we all do it that way but my nephews are a pack and they decide it made more sense for two people to lift the canoe over the person portaging it. And this included two guys who are now marines and one that owns a chain of gyms and does bodybuilding. So, it wasn't a lack of muscle. It was just a preference. I wouldn't say it was quicker but I believe in showing people how stuff is usually done and then letting them find what works best for them.

In any case, there could be some back injuries where this would help. It avoids twisting while lifting.
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next
Listening Point - General Discussion Sponsor:
Rockwood Outfitters