shooting with a back injury

[dustind]

I got my first pistol last monday. A 4.5" Beretta Neos in 22LR. I have taken it to the range three times so far. Each time my back started hurting after about 200 rounds. I injured my lower back on the job a few years ago and ever since I have had trouble lifted wieght or holding anything out in front of me. I tried about a houndred rounds cradeling the pistol in front of my face with my left hand under the barrel. Sort of like how you would shoot a shot gun. It works pretty well with a 22 and a red dot sight, but I am pretty sure it is a bad habbit to get into. All of the joints in my back were also cracking and getting stiff.

The pain is not too bad but does not help make shooting any more fun. Does anyone have any advice? I was standing feet shoulder width apart, left foot slightly forward, good posture, proper grip, etc.

By the way I have instructions on how to get the trigger pull on the Neos under two pounds, shorten the travel via set screws, and a few other things if anyone wants.

 

[DontShootMe]

started hurting after about 200 rounds

Shoot less per session?

Try sitting down for a spell during your shooting?

Wear a back brace (like for heavy lifting) ?

 

[chaim]

Since the car accident I've found that my back can act up after prolonged shooting. How prolonged? Depends. Sometimes a few hundred rounds, sometimes a few mags.

My suggestions:
-Shoot less per session
-Shoot your lighter guns more if the weight bothers you
-Shoot your milder guns more if the recoil bothers your back
-Don't go shooting on days that your back is acting up anyway
-Prevention- take your Advil and do some stretching or Osteopathic exercises before it starts to hurt

 

[dustind]

Dontshootme:

I have to pay for a range fee regardless of how much I shoot so I try to make good use of it, but I think I will start to call it a day after 300 or so.

Thanks, I forgot to mention I sometimes sit down to reload the magazines, I have five magazines now so maybe that will help.

Good idea, I never thought to wear one.

Chaim:

Thanks but I only have one pistol, a Neos 22LR. The recoil does not bother me a bit, just holding anything up in front of me. It used to hurt to carry a liter bottle of pop. I am slowly getting better over time.

 

[larryw]

Try a stretch that works for me.

Lay flat on back on firm surface. Take left foot and cross it over the right leg at the knee; tuck left foot's toes under right knee. Use right hand to push left knee down towards right side, left arm stretched straight out 90* to body. You should feel a pretty strong burn along your back and buttocks. Use right arm pressure to moderate the burn so its bearable. Hold for 30-60 seconds, making sure you take deep, slow breaths (don't hold breath!). Relax and switch to other side. Repeat several times.

I do this every morning and every night and my lower back now only bothers me when I do something really stupid (like forgetting to bend knees when lifting something heavy).

Also, ab crunches really help with lower back pain by helping to strengthen area and maintain proper posture.

Good luck!

 

[TonyB]

When I was on the mend after having cellulitis in my leg I would bring a lawn chair to the range and sit and shoot.........sometimes I still do.....when I'm having hand pain(arthritis) I shoot light loads w/ whatever hand is less painfull.I have to be in LOTS of pain to not shoot altogether......where there's a will there's a way...........

 

[rage]

Try a 3" wide weight lifting belt, as taught as you can stand it, when shooting.