Cops and lower back problems.

[SkyStorm82]

equipment selection is a lot better now than when i started.
1. i would never again work for a department that did not allow you use of nylon duty belts and gear.
2. don't compromise your posture when wearing soft body armor
3. stop using an IWB holster for off-duty carry and never even think about carrying in the SOB position
4. buy good shoes that fit correctly and buy new ones, or re-sole, when they start to wear the heels unevenly

1. Already rocking the nylon gear.
2. Don't think I'm doing this one. I hear many people express discomfort with their soft body armor....I have no complaints about mine.
3. I usually carry IWB, though not in the back....and I use a really good, sturdy belt.
4. Really bad with this one. I've had the same soles for about 2 years now on my bates and they look like crap. I'm going to have to get on that.

[SkyStorm82]

what are you wearing up front other than your mag pouches...you are wearing them upright aren't you?

Mag pouches on the left, just next to the buckle. Yes those are upright. To the left of those I leave just enough space to strap in a tazer. Then to the left of that is my radio....pretty much sitting at 9 o'clock.

Right of the buckle I have a small case for a voice recorder, then my pepper spray and a small space for my keys. Then my gun at 3 o'clock.

[9mmepiphany]

1. Already rocking the nylon gear.
2. Don't think I'm doing this one. I hear many people express discomfort with their soft body armor....I have no complaints about mine.
3. I usually carry IWB, though not in the back....and I use a really good, sturdy belt.
4. Really bad with this one. I've had the same soles for about 2 years now on my bates and they look like crap. I'm going to have to get on that.

the things that destroy your back are the little things you do to compensate for the small things you are doing wrong.

2. body armor posture is curving your back (backwards) to compensate of the stiffness of the vest...it's just laziness and spending a lot of time in the car

3. wearing a holster at 3:00-4:30 pushes your back sideways over your hips causing your spine to curve. your body adapts to the push and muscles shorten on one side and lengthen on the other...which pulls your back further out of alignment. you're also now putting more weight on one leg, which eventually puts pressure on nerves...since you're already being mean to your hips because of your duty belt...to cause numbness

4. bad shoes (uneven soles/heels) cause problems with your arch, knees and hips. usually the sign that gets your attention is when your hip goes numb and the leg collapses.

if you're running, for cardio, you'd should be replacing your shoes 3-4 times a year (serious runner replace them every month). a rule of thumb is replacing/repair duty boots/shoes every year. Oakley boots, my personal favorite, are only good for about 6 months. once the outside of the heel starts rounding, it's time to replace or resole them.

the best shoes for your feet will also have the shortest useful life, because they take the pounding that your feet don't have to...abusing your feet is directly related to back problems

[9mmepiphany]

Mag pouches on the left, just next to the buckle. Yes those are upright. To the left of those I leave just enough space to strap in a tazer. Then to the left of that is my radio....pretty much sitting at 9 o'clock.

Right of the buckle I have a small case for a voice recorder, then my pepper spray and a small space for my keys. Then my gun at 3 o'clock.

left side: i've seen officers wearing their tazer below the belt to free up belt space.

right side: i wore my pepper spray on my left, behind the radio, and my recorder lived in my shirt pocket. the pocket closed by velcro and you can replace the button with a flat mike (or just clip it to the side of the flap)

just some things to think about

[SkyStorm82]

The tazer....when I'm able to grab one, does actually rest below the gunbelt on the front of my thigh. It's the 2" or so of webbing on the holster that I have to leave space for on my gunbelt.

I'm going to look into those oakleys. I just need to find a place to try them on first so I know what size to get. I have access to oakleys LE website so I could buy them there.

[KevH]

I need to take a pic of my belt to stick up here, but I'll try to describe it.

Starting at the belt and going around the dial:

1-Safariland Double Cuff Case
2-Keeper
3-Safariland 6280
4-Keeper and Safariland Covered Key Holder
5-Nothing
6-Nothing
7-Nothing
8-MkIV OC
8:30-Radio
9-Straight Baton loop with keeper next to it
9:30-Blackhawk Serpa X26 holster (the only Serpa holster I like)
10-Surefire holder
10:30-Keeper
11-Double mag pouch
12-Belt buckle

I keep my spare car key behind my belt buckle while not in use. I keep my ASP in my right rear pocket. The ASP stays in my bag when not in use.

The only way to lighten my load up anymore would be to switch to a lighter pistol (I carry a 1911).

I agree with the importance of good boots and shoes as well.

Another thing to keep in mind is the adjustment of the seats in a Crown Victoria. They get broken down fairly fast. Play around with he lumbar support when you get in the car and find the optimal setting to give you good support.

[Spanky8601]

Keeping your wallet out of the rear pocket also provides a little help. Put it in your bag or just carry some small items, (cash, cc and ID) in your breast pocket. Anything to help you sit a little straighter in the unit.

[HAVOC5150]

There are a lot of guys that work at agencies that are aloud to wear nylon duty gear. I've seen them wear there belts backward (so the buckle is in the middle of there back) and place all there equipment in the front\sides. The buckle and overlap from the belt takes up a lot of space.

My agency athorized us to wear the harness, which helps a lot. You could see if your Dept will allow you to wear the harness. Hope this helps.

[yzErnie]

I was doing pretty well until my dept told us we could not wear the drop down Taser holsters anymore becasue they looked to intimidating. We then had to put them on our Sam Brown and in the off-hand and cross-draw position. Now to get in and out of the unit I feel like I am a contortionist because I have to twist and bend like never before. My back has progressively gotten worse since the belt mounted holster requirement.

[retired]

That certainly sounds like a work related injury waiting to happen Ernie.

[SVT-40]

Get out of the car and stretch your back as often as you can. Stand with with your butt against the side of your car (by the trunk or hood) and arch your back backwards while placing your knuckles against the small of your back. Stretch your neck backward. Hold for a few seconds and repeat a few times.

It helped me. I've got bulged discs which flare up every few months.

Just stay in shape and avoid getting overweight.

[chiselchst]

I have a ruptured disc, L4-L5. I'm not a cop. I did it working out with weights, and excersising BAD posture.

Can't speak to the LE duty tips, but when lifting at home or work, or stressing your back, I can say do it the best way possible; using the legs and proper posture. Strengthening the gut also helps, as mentioned above.

You can google proper lifting/posture. I found this quickly...

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain/lb00004_d

[uzigalil]

I saw departments in the Northwest that allow officers to wear a suspender setup to put the weight on the shoulders.

[trapshot68]

SkyBuddy

What size boots you wear? I got an extra set of Bates from that Boot-Blowout day.

[SkyStorm82]

SkyBuddy

What size boots you wear? I got an extra set of Bates from that Boot-Blowout day.

Usually 8.5 or 9 depending on the shoe. It can go either way. I goofed though, I don't wear Bates. They are Danners. I think I'm going to go with Oakleys this time. Thanks though bud. I appreciate it.