Lower Back Pain While Fishing

Anybody experience any lower back pain while fishing?  Obviously a little wear and tear from standing on uneven stream bottoms all day is expected, but anything above the ordinary?

I wrestle and workout a decent amount, so I know my back is in decent shape, but my lower back/hips were so stiff and sore this Saturday that I couldn't take it anymore.  I see the chiropractor on a regular basis as well, and it helps out, but I still get the shooting pain and soreness when I go fishing and it's really cutting into my enjoyment on the stream.

I was thinking of getting a back support belt, or something similar, but I was just wondering if some of you fellas have with a similar problem ever took the next step for this (IE getting fitted for orthodic soles for your wading shoe) and have experienced this issue before.  Im thinking it could be something with sciatica or a poriformis muscle strain, but im too young to be taken out from lower back pain at this stage in the game..

I get the lower back pain also. The last time I went fishing with my son inlaw and his friend I saw them putting on the type of support belts worn by workers in Home Depot and other stores. They said this type of belt helps prevent the back pain. I don't know where you get that kind of belt, but I am looking for one.

I've had some major back problems in the last couple of years. Long story, something about not supposed to carry 400 pound outboards by myself, but I can tell you that exercise has helped me out a ton. That and moving the wallet to the front pocket. I know that your question is more related to standing in a stream than prior injury, but it may help. Sit ups, leg lifts, all the standard lower back exercises. It's helped my posture as well. I'll share a copy of my list from PT if you're interested...

See that's the thing I don't understand....I exercise enough to keep me strong, but when I say the pain was bad this weekend it is worse than it ever has been....that's why I was thinking the problem was with my feet, high arches or something.  But im glad to see im not alone.  Stretching is also very important, and I do a ton of that as well, actually really flexible for my size of guy from doing the jiu jitsu/judo thing.  Back feels great while im working out, but if im standing or sitting down all day, that's when it really hits.

As others have said, exercises and stretching targeted at the lower back will help... one other thing I have taken to doing if it's going to be a long day (especially if cold at all) is spend the money to get the therma-care heat wraps for your lower back. I don't want to spend that kind of money every day I go out but sometimes can really make a difference.
 
Routine breaks where you can sit down on the ground and do some easy stretching to take the strain off for a few minutes may make the difference over a long day also. Do some checking into problems with the sacro-iliac joint (SI joint) and see if the problems you find described sound like what you are having and direct your exercises toward that....

I'd say stretching would help the most.  Hottubs work great to losen up tight muscles after along day.  Also inversion tables work great for relieving pressure in the lower back

For muscle pain - heat is the best.
 
for disc/joint/spinal issues - heat is the worst thing you can do.

ORIGINAL: D-nymph

For muscle pain - heat is the best.

for disc/joint/spinal issues - heat is the worst thing you can do.

Are you sure of this? I've bulged a few discs on a few occasions, and the first thing the PT has always given me was heat. Are they "mis-treating" me?

ORIGINAL: Mr.Slickfish

ORIGINAL: D-nymph

For muscle pain - heat is the best.

for disc/joint/spinal issues - heat is the worst thing you can do.

Are you sure of this? I've bulged a few discs on a few occasions, and the first thing the PT has always given me was heat. Are they "mis-treating" me?

 
I have a bulged disk right now.  PT and Chiro both told me ice only, for back problems, that are not muscle related.  They were both emphatic about it.
 
The pain you feel from disk bulges is caused by swelling pressing on the sciatic nerve.  Ice reduces swelling, heat does not.  What heat does do, and why it's good for achey muscles, it loosens muscles up to aid in stretching.  But it (heat) does nothing to reduce swelling.
 
The PT is probably using a sonogram type of machine on you to help loosen you up prior to stretching, right?

Loomis, I have severe back problems and the belts work well. I have a full abdominal support that I got from a hospital supply store. If you have a history of "contact Sports" then it is possible that you could have some sciatic shifting or calcium buioldup in the lower back. Stretching, back brace, heat/cold/heat alternatvies and pain pills. Also try reducing the amount of time you spend on the other sports activities and see if that helps. Aleve x 2 1 hour before fishing. Back brace afterward.

I used to have a lot of lower back pain . Due to not properly lifting at work and especially maintaining "poor" posture . If you find yourself slouching in a chair or behind the wheel alot try to change your bad habits in posture .

It sure has helped me it takes about four hours of standing before I start to get pain . Unless the fish are hitting really good then the pain stays away . A woman at home with strong hands will only benefit your situation

ORIGINAL: Dream Catcher

A woman at home with strong hands will only benefit your situation

 
The tall, older, good looking blonde (sometimes brunette) woman at the Avonia Tavern can work wonders for you.  She's better than I chiropractor and much more fun.

Semi-Rigid Back Brace.
One with a good abdominal support/cinching. I like the ones with side pull where you can cinch up real tight.
They're expensive and I got mine through a doctors prescription under my insurance.
 
You got some good advice, already.
Watch your beer consumption. The common beer gut is a killer on a bad back.
Try not to stand in one position too long.
Stand erect with your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly flexed.
A lumbar pack works better (for me) than a vest or chest pack.
 
Moderate stretching.
BTW, tight hamstrings also contribute to lower back pain.
There's a lot of good info on the internet for back and ab stretching & strengthening.
If the pain becomes chronic, see a specialist.
 
 
 

Custom soles work wonders. Trust me on that.

Excedrin back and body ache works wonders. Been laying brick for 39 years, last year I hurt my back pretty bad the excedrin helped alot. I went to a few chiropractors, one hurt my neCk and my ear has been ringing for 15 years now. I say stay away from them.(IMO)