Sciatica - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

surf-bum · 03-13-2012, 02:41 PM

Depends on what aggravates your symptoms of sciatica. If bending forward makes it worse, kayaking might not be the best thing for it. If bending forward makes it better, kayaking probably would make it better.

If bending forward makes it worse, you could still kayak with some modifications like a good seat and butt pad. It would keep you more upright and in an extended position to help relieve pain. Like stated above, you would probably need to find the limit of how long you can be out before your pain gets too bad. Then stay within that time frame.

Writing this response over a few beers. If you have any questions, PM me. I am currently in PT school and could try and give you some advice.

CocoNutZ21 · 03-13-2012, 03:07 PM

Thanks for the help fellas. I did rent a kayak before for about an hour and had no issues at all. Normally I'm fine doing anything and everything, but then there are those 5 bad days out of the year that just get you. Unfortunately, I had one of those days last Friday, and my lower back is still somewhat tender, and my sciatica pain surfaced just enough to remind me that it's still around and I do have to take it easy. It Seems like a good idea to rent a kayak to see just how long I can take the discomfort.

surf-bum - Are you familiar with A.R.T.? Active Release Techniques? The chiropractor who performed that on me and released my pinch nerve pretty much saved my life. 2 1/2 years ago I was on disability for 7 months figuring out what am I going to do with the rest of my life, until I found her.

I'll be going over to OEX soon and rent a kayak. If all is good, I hope to post some reports. Thanks again.

Amish Ed · 03-13-2012, 04:33 PM

Yeah, bring your bass gear and make a day of it.

dsafety · 03-13-2012, 05:18 PM

I have chronic lower back pain and had ruptured a disk a while back. With that comes regular bouts with sciatica. For me, kayaking is pain-free most of the time, except for occasional leg cramps. One big difference when compared to some of the others who have posted in this thread is that I ride a Hobie.

In my Revo, I can position myself in the seat so that I am as comfortable as possible and just peddle away. I can usually go all day without significant back pain. Typically I run out of energy long before the pain becomes a problem.

As someone mentioned, lifting the kayak to the racks, especially after a marathon day can be a problem. Not wanting another ruptured disk, I am very careful about this and have even asked for help a few times after an especially exhausting day. Of course, I am an old guy and the kayak gets heavier every trip.

Bob

03-13-2012, 04:33 PM	#3
Amish Ed Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,906	Yeah, bring your bass gear and make a day of it. __________________ Amish Ed You can't catch it again if it's dead!

03-13-2012, 02:41 PM	#1
surf-bum Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 49	Depends on what aggravates your symptoms of sciatica. If bending forward makes it worse, kayaking might not be the best thing for it. If bending forward makes it better, kayaking probably would make it better. If bending forward makes it worse, you could still kayak with some modifications like a good seat and butt pad. It would keep you more upright and in an extended position to help relieve pain. Like stated above, you would probably need to find the limit of how long you can be out before your pain gets too bad. Then stay within that time frame. Writing this response over a few beers. If you have any questions, PM me. I am currently in PT school and could try and give you some advice.

03-13-2012, 03:07 PM	#2
CocoNutZ21 Junior Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 5	Thanks for the help fellas. I did rent a kayak before for about an hour and had no issues at all. Normally I'm fine doing anything and everything, but then there are those 5 bad days out of the year that just get you. Unfortunately, I had one of those days last Friday, and my lower back is still somewhat tender, and my sciatica pain surfaced just enough to remind me that it's still around and I do have to take it easy. It Seems like a good idea to rent a kayak to see just how long I can take the discomfort. surf-bum - Are you familiar with A.R.T.? Active Release Techniques? The chiropractor who performed that on me and released my pinch nerve pretty much saved my life. 2 1/2 years ago I was on disability for 7 months figuring out what am I going to do with the rest of my life, until I found her. I'll be going over to OEX soon and rent a kayak. If all is good, I hope to post some reports. Thanks again.

03-13-2012, 05:18 PM	#4
dsafety Olivenhain Bob Join Date: May 2008 Location: Olivenhain, CA Posts: 1,122	I have chronic lower back pain and had ruptured a disk a while back. With that comes regular bouts with sciatica. For me, kayaking is pain-free most of the time, except for occasional leg cramps. One big difference when compared to some of the others who have posted in this thread is that I ride a Hobie. In my Revo, I can position myself in the seat so that I am as comfortable as possible and just peddle away. I can usually go all day without significant back pain. Typically I run out of energy long before the pain becomes a problem. As someone mentioned, lifting the kayak to the racks, especially after a marathon day can be a problem. Not wanting another ruptured disk, I am very careful about this and have even asked for help a few times after an especially exhausting day. Of course, I am an old guy and the kayak gets heavier every trip. Bob