Back pain prevention.

[Sionadi]

A good friend of mine has been LEO for 8 years and he talked to me asking me about ways to prevent back pain. I told him that strengthening his abs would probably help prevent it but im no expert.

So what are your guy's ideas to help prevent back pain?

[9mmepiphany]

not just the abs, you need to strengthen the whole core. the best advice i've come across is yoga and kettlebells...not together. if you'd like to start out a bit slower, Tai Chi is excellent for better movement and balance.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

Moving belt gear from the back area is also a good idea.

[Spyder]

Have some sort of lumbar support in the squad car and even in the personal vehicle. Any time I plan on spending more than 20 or so minutes in my car I put a rolled up towel under my lower back. I don't have one of these new fancy cars with power lumbar support, but the towel DEFINITELY helps with fatigue while driving and I imagine it will be good for long term helath too.

[Sionadi]

Thanks for the information guys.

[code33]

Also, look into suspenders.

[retired]

Try not to have anything on the back of the gun belt. That is probably impossible with all of the equipment leos have to carry tho. Do not carry a double cuff case; at least two singles provide a bit more balance, tho it would be better not to have those in the back either.

Don't carry the notebook in the rear pocket either. Find someplace in the car (center console area) and then put it in the rear pocket as you exit the vehicle.

If the dept. permits it, wear the nylon gun belt as it is lighter than the leather.