Cops and lower back problems.

[trapshot68]

Oh, yeah, I've got two sets of bates, some 5.11's and others. I still need to break in the Bates. The nice thing about them is I can always re-sole them when I wear them out.

Keith got Oakleys. Really liked them, but I can't remember if they ran smaller or bigger then normal. And for the price we get them, it beats the re-soling option.

Would you let me know if/when you order the oakleys? I have an account, but I figure, might as well lump the order for shipping. Just need some gloves and glasses.

[BlackDrop50]

[ENTHUSIAST]

Not a cop... but I had to rehab after a herniated L4 injury and the key to preventing lower back problems is simple:

CRUNCHES

Not Sit-ups they can hurt your back if you do them incorrectly.

Also, the key is STRONG ABS and a strong LOWER BACK by focusing on Core strength training.

Dont laugh but seriously look into Pilates it is ALL core work. (Free vids on the web in the privacy of your own home, of course I dont recommend doing it out in public! )

[oddjob]

I retired in Dec/2009 and without a single back problem in 31 1/2 yrs. Then last week while putting on a shoe I went to stand up and BAM! Down for the count for about a week. The older cops I have coffee with gave me the secret formulas (motrin) and handshakes and the pain went away.

I will admit (brag) I was not overweight during my years nor am I now. Weigh yourself in your shorts and then gear up. Weigh yourself again. Its a lot of strain. Preventative medicine is the best thing and you already started by asking the question here. Good job!

[SkyStorm82]

Would you let me know if/when you order the oakleys? I have an account, but I figure, might as well lump the order for shipping. Just need some gloves and glasses.

Sure. You know anywhere near us that sells them so I can try them on?

[SkyStorm82]

I retired in Dec/2009 and without a single back problem in 31 1/2 yrs. Then last week while putting on a shoe I went to stand up and BAM! Down for the count for about a week. The older cops I have coffee with gave me the secret formulas (motrin) and handshakes and the pain went away.

I will admit (brag) I was not overweight during my years nor am I now. Weigh yourself in your shorts and then gear up. Weigh yourself again. Its a lot of strain. Preventative medicine is the best thing and you already started by asking the question here. Good job!

LOL Motrin....I'm well familiar with that. They were called ranger candy in the Army.

[trapshot68]

Sure. You know anywhere near us that sells them so I can try them on?

Keith and I ended up going over to Topanga mall to an oakley store. That's the closest one according to Oakley.com. They have boots and stuff there. Just be honest and they're pretty cool.

[Doheny]

Anyone tried duty belt suspenders? Yes they look silly but do they work?

http://www.copsplus.com/prodnum2406.php

My wife tried and yes, she thought they looked silly, plus they were grab points so she could be taken down if she went hands on, so she doesn't use them anymore.

Curious; someone mentioned nylon gear; how's that help your back vs. leather or anything else?

[9mmepiphany]

Curious; someone mentioned nylon gear; how's that help your back vs. leather or anything else?

less weight. the weight of leather gear (it is substantialy heavier) presses down on your hips and affects how you stand...it puts un-needed strain on the spine.

that's also why you should try to reduce the gear you put on your belt or at least try to split the weight with alternative support...you're better off with things n your pockets. suspenders aren't the answer...it harkens back to the days of the cross-chest straps and neck ties

[Fantasma]

Sit ups, the abs help the back with support.

That's what I've heard.

[haodoken]

My agency followed Fullerton PD's lead on the vest carriers (aka tactical vest) as our new uniform. Administration wanted some minor contract concessions and we put the new vest in as one of our conditions. The ballistic inserts slide into the vest carrier and everything is off the sam browne except taser and firearm. You can totally feel the difference. It's a hotter to wear, but all in all, everyone was happy to get them. At first admin thought the residents would freak out seeing us wearing the new vests but no one really noticed the change.

[Samuelx]

RE: nylon vs leather - IME, the leather is only marginally heavier - it's the rest of the gear that weighs you down (compare empty weights of the leather and nylon rigs). The nylon does seem to be more flexible and forgiving.

I am currently wearing a nylon rig. Weighed myself last night - in 10-8 mode (everything on, ready to hop in the car and go) I was about 33 pounds heavier than me wearing shower slippers, shorts, underwear, and a tshirt.

Probably a combination of duty weight and bad posture but, these days, my back gets sore and needs stretching/cracking just from standing for longer periods of time - even off duty.

Two suspender systems that I have been thinking about trying:

http://www.backdefensesystems.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=36

http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Ergonomic-Duty-Belt-Harness,1570,1382.htm

If my department allowed visible suspenders, I'd probably go cheaper (e.g. Uncle Mike's or something)...

[sig_alpha_raider]

This might sound a little different, but try yoga. I have lower back probs from my duty gear and training in Jiujitsu and yoga has helped A LOT! Try it out for a month and see the difference.

[retired]

Tai chi is another form that helps with the back. My spine surgeon suggested that or yoga to me years ago and I chose to try Tai Chi. When I began the class, I couldn't touch my knees due to the fusions. After a month in the class, I could and I felt much better at the beginning of each class.

I realize touching the knees may seem like nothing to 99% of you, but when you are fused from T12 to S1, that is actually pretty good. What makes me angry is prior to my surgeries, I could, without any stretching, put my palms flat on the ground and stay that way all day if I wanted. In a hurdler's stretch, I could put my head to my knee also.

[9mmepiphany]

Tai Chi has been a life saver since i retired...it's replaced my monthy visits to the chiropractor and really improved my balance/posture too