Nerve issues with CCW??

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Racinfan83

Racinfan83

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Anyone ever had or have nerve pain issues in lower back, glutes, and/or legs when carrying concealed? I usually carry IWB at 3 - 4 o'clock. My pain problems seem to be worse when carrying. Just curious if anyone else has noticed this, or maybe there's a doc on here that could weigh in??
 
I also carried at 3-4 IWB but never had any issues. That was a Vektor CP1 in a soft holster carried for 3 years or so.
 
I think it has more to do with the belt and holster than it does with just wearing a gun. A good quality wide belt with good stiffness combined with a holster that has loops/slots that fit the belt and is well-designed can really make carry comfortable because the belt doesn't have to be tight for the gun to stay in place.

On the other hand, a limp belt and a holster with loops/slots that are too big for the belt and you have to really cinch the belt tight to get the gun to stay in place. Not comfortable and maybe even likely to cause back pain depending on a lot of things (people and circumstances being widely varying).

I think with IWB, belt quality and belt/holster fit is even more important since IWB tends to be a bit less comfort-friendly than OWB. Also, I think with IWB, not going nuts on the gun size will help.
 
It sounds to me more like ballance issue - gun alone shouldnt do this, but can worsen existing issue.
Simply check if your shoulders are in line while standing straight. Its possible, that like most of ppl, you are just leaning to one side and gun intensifies it, resulting in said pain
 
Get some really good insoles. You would be amazed at how much having your feet properly supported makes a difference to the rest of your body.
 
Its the belt and holster. I suffer that, and extensive walking on the job plus standing for 40 hours a week didn't help. Adding a tight belt and the intrusion of a holster usually over the hip joint aggravates a nerve cluster and it gets more than just annoying. Then you start adjusting, and that is a major tell you are carrying.

One significant issue is that the belt line is right over the hip joint, not higher up around the slim buffed out abs. Which, I haven't had in 30 years. It's the belly filling and then pushing the belt down until people ask if you are identifying as a gang member when you begin to realize the issue. The inverted funnel is the problem.

I changed to shoulder holster carry, which is actually more effective and was used more back in the day before IWB since it didn't exist. There are very few issues with shoulder carry, it's readily available driving or seated vs hip holster access, and it conceals better. If there is a current gripe I have, it's the expensive mule harnesses sold, or the tacticool ones from China. Neoprene and alternative materials are being ignored yet there is a huge potential for them, as evidenced by hybrid holsters. Belly bands wont work for me either as the inverted funnel shoves them down until I am actually sitting on them. Im not unzipping to draw.

I also think there are a lot of us who suffer from this situation yet don't want to admit it and just keep trying to wear hip holsters because that is what everybody else does. That is a poor reason to keep inflicting pain on yourself. If you are married then isn't that enough?
 
I have been dealing with back issues for over 15 years. I started out with a full size 1911 IWB with a leather 1.5" gun belt, Got to the point just wearing my belt hurt. Now carry a compact 9mm on a 1.25" nylon gun belt with Suspenders, carrying at 3 OWB.
 
Racinfan83 said:
Anyone ever had or have nerve pain issues in lower back, glutes, and/or legs when carrying concealed? I usually carry IWB at 3 - 4 o'clock. My pain problems seem to be worse when carrying. Just curious if anyone else has noticed this, or maybe there's a doc on here that could weigh in??
Click to expand...

YES! I used to carry at 4:00 with the same issues. I tried quality belts made for conceal carry, both leather and nylon. I tried different guns: a super light titanium cylinder j-frame, then small single stack 9mm's like a P938 and Kahr. I went through countless expensive holsters in both single clip and wide dual clip for these guns. No matter what after a couple hours of wearing them I'd feel that pinpointed nerve pain in my back to the point whenever I'd carry I'd pop Aleve before heading out the door, but even just a couple hours of shopping with my wife and I'd get home feeling exhausted with my back killing me and spend the rest of the day on the couch; not good for someone in their mid 30's who's healthy and very active. Eventually I just opted to pocket carry an lcp instead of anything else IWB because the side effects weren't worth it.

Then one day I decided to try appendix carry, and it was eye opening! Comfy regardless of if I'm sitting in a car or walking around. I can use one of my thick, stiff carry belts or a comfortable regular belt. My carry gun is now a 3" k6s that comes in at almost 30oz loaded and I can be out with it for 8+ hours and not feel a bit of discomfort.
 
I will also suggest the Perry Suspenders with a stiff belt that you don't have to cinch so tightly. I ditch IWB as uncomfortable and having to buy pants for it. I have spinal stenosis and my back is an unpleasant nastiness thing at times.
 
Wow! Apparently I "struck a nerve" with this one LOL...
I do wear quality thick leather gun belts from Versacarry on the daily. 56 yrs old 6'0/235 so yeah I have a bit of a belly. I've carried many different guns and holsters, mostly small guns like P365 and Sig 938. Tried several holsters over the years, right now my favs are a Wright Leather Works for my 365 and a Versacarry comfort holster for the 938.
I've never tried appendix carry - seems like the barrel end would poke you when you sit down? Not extremely fond of the idea the barrel points at some sensitive body parts either?
Not sure if shoulder carry would work except in winter - I'm one who would rather be cold than warm, and wearing 2 shirts to cover the gun wouldn't work at all. I'm welcome to suggestions though!
 
Sound like sciatica, move the pistol forward so it does not aggravate that nerve in your lower back and hip. My father has delt with that for years can't carry anything in the 4 or 8 o'clock position on his belt or it aggravates that nerve.
 
Dealt with that lower back/sciatica pain for years. It did not matter carrying or not. Walking,sleeping or sitting I was in pain. Finally saw a Neuro Srgeon and had an MRI. He said age and wear and tear had taken its toll. I had very little cartilage left between vertebrae causing the pinched nerve. Surgery was not an option and suggested the injection route. Bingo, not much pain at all anymore and it last a good 4 to 6 months. I still carry iwb about 8 o'clock and no issues.
 
Appendix works ok in all the photos online selling them. Buffed out abs are the key. If you are trying to lift an extra 25# + up out of the way, not so much. There has to be flat real estate with a belt line up near the belly button. Those purty gun models are hired precisely because of that.

Not too many worry about the older used up broke down shooters. Look to the cops who suffer a lot of issues with heavy gun belts, gear etc. They buy hidden suspenders - literally hidden from their supervisor, too. Can't have mobility issues and still work the job. Those who moved into plain clothes solved their problem decades ago.

Shoulder holsters.
 
JohnKSa said:
I think it has more to do with the belt and holster than it does with just wearing a gun. A good quality wide belt with good stiffness combined with a holster that has loops/slots that fit the belt and is well-designed can really make carry comfortable because the belt doesn't have to be tight for the gun to stay in place.

On the other hand, a limp belt and a holster with loops/slots that are too big for the belt and you have to really cinch the belt tight to get the gun to stay in place. Not comfortable and maybe even likely to cause back pain depending on a lot of things (people and circumstances being widely varying).

I think with IWB, belt quality and belt/holster fit is even more important since IWB tends to be a bit less comfort-friendly than OWB. Also, I think with IWB, not going nuts on the gun size will help.
Click to expand...

I agree that it might have something to do with your belt and holster. A quality belt will bear the weight of the gun holding it tight to the body. A bad belt will cause the gun to sag causing you to constantly readjusting the guns position. Congratulations as you've decided on the gun you wish to carry. Unfortunately, finding a belt and holster combo is just as personal as the gun you decide to carry.
 
Try cross draw on your other hip and see if that helps at all. Note a vertical non-canted holster will work for cross draw if you don't want to invest in a new holster.

I have a bit of a gut and carry just forward of my hip - OWB.
 
murf said:
that would be the sciatic nerve. take the weight off the belt and put it on your shoulders. shoulder holster, suspenders, pocket carry.

luck,

murf

p.s. i'm not a doctor
Click to expand...

This! I have managed to avoid problems, but plugging “sciatica” into the search box, at any firearms-related forum, should produce plenty of results.

Sciatica is not the only nerve problem, that can arise from carrying guns and other heavy gear, but it is a significant issue.

I avoided problems by trying to keep things as near 0300 and 0900 as possible, with no weight or bulk behind my back, from 0330 to 0830. I also avoided letting my duty belt size increase, from age 22, until age 56, when I retired from LEO-ing. I stayed at 34 inches, that whole time. (Yes, I put on some weight, but little to none at belt level, though after retirement, I have, admittedly, acquired a bit of recent “pandemic belly.”)

I still believe in good, sturdy belts. Milt Sparks belts, built with a curve, are worth it. They last for decades, so are a good value, even if expensive at the time of purchase.
 
Sciatic pain, wrecked back, yea. Carried on the belt line at 4 for years untill it doesn't work anymore unless its a bitty little J frame. Around the homestead its fine. Going anywhere else its Appendix with a spare mag for a glock 19.
It's more training work doing 2 types of carry and as I dont step outside, or inside for that matter without a carry gun it's just what I have to do.
 
Yes, and I have moved to AIWB and a nylon edc belt really has helped out a lot. Seems to offer a bit more adjustable than my Hanks Stitched Gunner belt. And I don’t have to worry about buckle placement as much. But do love my Hank’s Belts!

Other issues with shoulders have moved me to a shoulder holster as well. It’s not all about the right holster or belt. It’s about real injuries and repairs that remind us of the stupid and fun stuff we did when we was younger.

Either methods have me able to carry my 43x or 48. Normally just carry a Snubbie in my pocket, but even that is aggravating my bursitis in my hip for some reason. Specialist (hip preservation) I saw at Ohio State was a shooter and says he is telling everyone to use a good shoulder holster, go AIWB, or cross draw. Just keep it close to the front and off the sides and back as much as possible. So went with Andrews Custom Leatherwork’s Monarch Rig. Got to be better than the Galco Lite 2 and no name nylon one I have. Although if kept to a lighter pistol, the Galco Lite 2 is pretty nice.

Good luck,
Lefty
 
Last edited:
Tirod said:
Appendix works ok in all the photos online selling them. Buffed out abs are the key. If you are trying to lift an extra 25# + up out of the way, not so much. There has to be flat real estate with a belt line up near the belly button. Those purty gun models are hired precisely because of that.

Not too many worry about the older used up broke down shooters. Look to the cops who suffer a lot of issues with heavy gun belts, gear etc. They buy hidden suspenders - literally hidden from their supervisor, too. Can't have mobility issues and still work the job. Those who moved into plain clothes solved their problem decades ago.

Shoulder holsters.
Click to expand...

I totally agree with you on shoulder holsters! But I will say this about AIWB……when I was 295, I could carry my G22 AIWB in a JM Customs holster and it disappeared. I’m 215 now, and I have to wear bulky shirts to hide my G43X! Weird!
 
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