Just had MRI that revealed neural foraminal narrowing at c5/6 and c6/7 to a mild to moderate degree. Saw chiropractor for adjustment and he warned that surfing will aggrevate problem because of position when paddling closes the vertabrae. Been doing stretching and going to take some yoga, but thought of not surfing (as much) is depressing. Tow in surf not option in Florida LOL. Aside from moving to islands any advice appreciated,Rob.
Try hanging upside down by your feet, and learn to relax in this position. I have a machine that let’s you hang by your feet with special adaptors that mount to your ankles. Does wonders!
I was having neck pain and the doctor(a surfer) aked me if i carried my board on my head. Doh. Physical therapy has helped my neck, shoulders and back- if they put you on it be good and do your exercises everryday.
Yes! Physical Theraupy is the answer! You can accomplish more by working with nature than you can ever imagine. Stretch diligently and with great care. Flexiblility is the better part of strenght. If you have pain stop surfing for a while and give you body time to recover. Then get a routine down that will help open you body up and keep it that way. Pain happens to areas of the body that are closed down and need to relax. Stretching takes tension away. I had some real nasty neck pain when I got back into to surfing at the tender age of 58 so I quit for about 3 weeks and stretched very cautiously three times a day. I haven’t had any pain in over 2 years now and my range of motion is reasonably good now. “Trust nature! Do no harm!” Hippocrotes Mahalo, Rich
Hyperextension of the neck vertebra and lower back are common, destructive behaviors specifically afflicting the short board surfer. They must radically arch the spine while doing the paddling, which is very bad form. A move to a longer board that floats very well will sometimes help. Keep the head down and try to knee paddle sometimes. It`s better for long term surfing health.
Sounds nasty friend. I’m not sure any amount of stretching etc is going to combat something that’s been identified as ‘growing’. I struggle with lower back pain (and that’s paddling related as well). Pilates has been the route for me. However much gym strength you develop, the core stability and flexibilty afforded by pilates is going to stand you in better stead - especially as we get older. But the growth thing sounds as if invasive surgery is a real possibilty. I’d get some more advice before either (a) quitting (crikey - horrible thought!) or (b) relying on stretching to ease the pain. Good luck!
Thanks for everyones advice/reccomendations. I’m going to rest for a few weeks and keep up the stretching/physical therapy. Planning to trade a short board in for a performance long board shape around 9’2". Good luck to all, Rob.
I have been a victim of both a ruptured L4/5 in my back and a C7 in my neck. There were times I thought my surfing was over but I swear my passion for surfing is what got me better. A lot of good advice above…stretch,yes. Physical therapy-yes, work it out with a pro. Moving to longer boards, yes. Take your time and don’t push too hard or the body will push back. Good luck.