Hip Pain and Carrying

[TarpleyG]

I have been carrying on and off for the better part of 10 years now when I was in Texas and now in Florida. I have carried a lot more in the past couple of years. Almost always I have something on me either IWB or in my pocket. My preferred carry piece is a Kimber Pro Carry in a VM2. I think this has resulted in a condition called sciatica for me. Extremely acute pain in and around the hip joint. It is a nerve. I am wondering if this is the sole cause or if my weight and age are a contributing factor. I am sure they are.

Anyway, I have decided to try and experiment and carry my new Kahr PM9 in a SS2 instead of the 1911 and see if it helps any. I definitely find it more comfortable just because it is lighter but time will tell I guess.

Anyone else with similar issues?

Greg

 

[Bear Gulch]

Is going to a shoulder rig a possiblity?

 

[triggertime]

Sciatic nerve pressure can usually be alleviated by moving the holster
either slightly rearward or slightly forward. Its the muzzle end of the holster
that causes the pressure, not necessarily the weight of the handgun.

 

[SLCDave]

How good is your mattress?

I ask because I currently have one of the world's worst mattresses, and i know it contributes to my aches and pains.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Let's face it, carrying a full size 1911 in anything short of a duty rig with nice wide belts and the load balanced is tough on anyone.
I think you'll find that carrying a reasonable sized/weighted piece will help a great deal. If I lived in an open carry state, I might consider carrying my 1911 again, but placing it IWB or up high to conceal it just is uncomfortable as hell

Take care of yourself.

 

[W Turner]

Depending on where the pain is, the weight may or may not help. I recently switched from carrying an all steel Gov't. Model to carrying an alloy framed version due to low back/hip pain on my right side. This has helped some, but the pain is still there.

My pain is caused by arthritis in my hip aggravated by a noticeable weight gain (70 lbs.) in just over 6 years. I am working on my weight issue right now and hopefully this won't be a concern anymore.


W

 

[P95Carry]

Tarpley - if true sciatica then the problem is most usually traceable to the central low back. Might be disc problem, some degenerative changes ... something irritating the nerve root. The lumbar plexus exits from L1 down to L5 .. the bottom lumbar joint where it sits on sacrum.

If the pain is in your hip then this suggests a possible problem around the L1 L2 area ... but OTOH, it is not inconceivable that the problem is a local hypersensitivity and not true sciatica - (which incidentally is by definition, an inflammation of the sciatic nerve - and that affects much lower down - often including the foot. )

If that were the case then a change to a more forward or further back carry spot might have an effect. I also think that OWB might be less of a problem because they would be much less local pressure ... even that, regardless of the weight of the piece, could be a factor.

Maybe - try and see a chiro - check out lower back - and just get an opinion. An X-ray too might be most helpful .. of low back and even hip joint too. I do not know your age so - that would modify certain of my thoughts and comments.

 

[Malamute]

I've had pain off and on, I found that suspenders help for me. Also, switching sides ocasionally helps, just need to practice and get used to having it on the other side if/when you do. Walking a lot (1 hour/day in the hills) helps my back and hip as much or more than anything.

 

[dinosaur]

From carrying a Colt D/S IWB over my wallet, not to mention the duty belt after 20 years I developed sciatica. Luckily my Chiropractor is a gun buff. It was so bad I had to use a cane. It's been over a year now since I've had to get "cracked" and usually it was 2 or 3 times a year.

Even when I carry on the belt my hip/leg/back gets weak. Once it starts it never really goes away.

I usually carry on the same side but now I use OWB holsters. It bothers me a little bit but I like knowing where the gun is if you get my drift.

I have other problems with my leg from two old motorcycle accidents and then the docs took the vein for my bypass from the same leg. The sciatica just made it worse. Getting old is a you know what!

 

[Browns Fan]

Yes, I have a similar condition. I used to carry a Commander ( all steel ), IWB. It caused my right butt cheek to go numb after a couple of hours of wear. I traded it for a Kimber Ultra Carry. No problem now, except I wish I still had my Commander, too.

 

[Browns Fan]

I forgot to add that I'm a 48 year old retired soldier who has been lifting weights for over 20 yrs. I have found that squats and leg presses are great therapy for my condition. YMMV. Warning, improperly performed squats can cause injuries!

 

[JamisJockey]

Suspenders. Notice alot of cops are starting to wear them on their duty rigs? I'm seriously considering using them myself.

 

[srv656s]

sounds like you've got the same setup as i do:

I have the same problem too if I carry for more than 4 hours or so. I was wondering what caused the pain...

I find that I can temporarily alleviate the pain by shifting the gun around. I'm going to try and carry more towards 4 o'clock than 3 where it is now.

Shawn

 

[MLH]

You might try

Switching to crossdraw to shift the weight to the other side for a while!