Lower back soar after a few hours in spikes

monkeylove

monkeylove

Been here much more than a while
Location
Roslyn, Pa.
So am I doing something wrong or do I need to change something (gear) or is this normal and I just need to suck it up. My legs, knees are fine it only my lower back. I'm thinking maybe a different saddle(TM or MCRS) but let me know your thoughts, we all know they're not cheap.

Current gear I use; Red Wing loggers, Klein with caddy pads, Onyx saddle.
 
Sounds like body positioning or just tension from the stress of being in a new uncomfortable position. Sometimes on a sketchy tree that makes me nervous I'm soar all over from my body being in a constant state of stress and tension. Without the luxury of climbing along side you I can't really provide much more insight. I doubt it's your gear.
 
Thanks Steve. I am always nervous on spikes, just don't use them enough to be fluid on them. Next time I'm out with my local buzzers maybe I'll find a dead stump and slap the hooks on, that probably isthe best way to judge my technique.
 
Although I doubt it's your saddle, The TM does have good back support being wide and firm, but you can also put a blood stopper pouch on the back and adjust the lumbar support...
 
The MCRS will give you more support than the TM, both great saddles. I doubt though that the pain you are experiencing is harness related. The most common cause is bad body position. You need to be standing up straight, letting the saddle lightly support you while you work. Most low time users tend to lean too far back causing them to bend at the waist in order to do the work. Also, with your butt out, every time you move/pull with your flipline, you will be putting excessive strain on your lower back.
 
Along the lines of what Steve said, if your leaning way back on your lanyard trying to have your spikes driving in when not moving as opposed to being more up right closer to the stem, your really pushing on your back as opposed to putting your weight on your legs. Not sure that's what your doing, just something to pay attention to.
 
I've been on gaffs, but never worked on them.
My WAG, would also be work positioning problem.

However, as for Back Support options ................ my Kolibri is a full 8" wide. (Harness is extremely adjustable)

Take 2 Aspirin, 2 beers, get a heating pad, go to bed ........................

Ciao for Now !
 
Get some one to take pics of you when you are working. It may be a positioning issue. (Hips too far out and shoulders forward). Or you strained yourself lifting or moving.

Do this for relief.
 

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monkeylove said:
I am always nervous on spikes, just don't use them enough
Click to expand...
Many people who are uncomfortable on spikes suck their lanyard all the way in, almost to the point their belly is touching the trunk. A "hugging the tree for safety" sort of thing. Then in order to do any work, they have to bend their back backwards to get some space for their hands and saw. This isn't you, is it? Your body should be a straight line from your spikes to your shoulders, but leaning 30° or so away from the tree.

Like Oroboros said, some pictures of you spiking would be great.
 
Less than 2 years Royce. No belly rub for me Jeff but maybe not quite 30 degrees. Usally that far back actually seems to hurt more, thats why I am thinking I might need a firmer backed saddle. I definitely need to get some pics taken though. I am also working with Mert in February so hopefully I can have him take a look at my angles.
 
Some great tips here. Dumb question; Are you clipped in to the side D's or the lower D's? - Using the lower D's instead of the side ones made a HUGE difference for me. My hips got squeezed on the side D's - when I switched to the lower ones - half of my body weight was supported by my upper thighs/buttocks instead of just my lower back (and it's sort of half sitting, half leaning into the saddle - much nicer than all leaning). Had to do the Liger Mod on the Rebellion Saddle to make it work. I'll eventually get TM too - this Mod means I don't have to spend my money for years yet though. This was a huge game changer for me - before I used to moan at my boss for being in the spikes - now I can stay there for most of the day. The only thing even nicer is hanging from your TIP.
 
Frank I noticed the cherry was gone and was wondering how you made out with it. If I remember it leaned slightly which could also cause some poor position, especially for someone newer to spikes (I don't know if that tree caused your problem).
It was also said already that if you aren't completely comfortable you body sometimes compensates to make you more comfortable.
I don't know about the degree of angle, but I find reaching your arms out you should be able to reach the middleish of the stem being climbed. Of course it depends on the size of the stem 4' vs. 4" but a general idea/rule.
I'll be out on Doug fir removals Saturday (weather permitting) if you wanted to come out and dig the hooks in.
If not the 13th should have some time to play around.
 
123Craig said:
Some great tips here. Dumb question; Are you clipped in to the side D's or the lower D's? - Using the lower D's instead of the side ones made a HUGE difference for me. My hips got squeezed on the side D's - when I switched to the lower ones - half of my body weight was supported by my upper thighs/buttocks instead of just my lower back (and it's sort of half sitting, half leaning into the saddle - much nicer than all leaning). Had to do the Liger Mod on the Rebellion Saddle to make it work. I'll eventually get TM too - this Mod means I don't have to spend my money for years yet though. This was a huge game changer for me - before I used to moan at my boss for being in the spikes - now I can stay there for most of the day. The only thing even nicer is hanging from your TIP.
Click to expand...

Using the lower D's has helped me a ton as well. I use to get horrible hip and lower back pain after a long day using my side d's.
 
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