Steadicam and back pain

avp

avp

Well-known member
I have been considering buying a Steadicam for some time now. One consideration that I have is low back strain. I had a 2 level lumbar fusion surgery 10 years ago and still have some back pain but it is manageable.

My question is...how much back strain does flying a steadicam with, say, 15 - 20 lbs of camera, monitor, batteris, etc, cause.

I am full aware of the learning curve after reading multiple threads on Steadicam/Glidecam operation. I was wondering if any of you 'seasoned' steadicam operator (Mikko :happy:or others) have experienced low back pain after extended use?
I have also read the "periodic workout" thread and got the bases covered as far as that goes.

...Or should I get a jib/crane?

Thanks and ciao

Jeffro
 
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I haven't flown a steadicam and my knowledge is little but I believe the saying is, "if it hurts you're doing it wrong." Someone else will be able to provide the specifics, I think there is a proper stance that evenly distributes the weight thus preventing back pain.
 
If you are operating properly (well fitted vest, balanced rig, and proper posture), you should feel no pain whatsoever. You will feel fatigue as you simply get tired throughout the day, but if you are feeling pain, you are doing something wrong.

The longer you operate, the less fatigue you will feel - just like any other conditioning routine. Your first few times in a rig will certainly feel very strange. Be sure to do it under proper supervision. Otherwise, you risk that pain you talk about and possible injury as well.
 
hey i shot glidecam ,i hert ,but its nice smooth shot! ibuprofin works!!
but man its best to be good shape ! realy theres a bit of displin invovled and weight is distrubuted thru you so walking and running is very invovled work using your body! if you feel out of shape or have injury it will be chalenging! try holding a gallon of milk for a half hour even ten minutes walking around! its tuff stuff!
and you distribute that throught your body! you can always direct a shooter ,thats doe
talk to your docter first if your good better upload them shots!!!!!!word!!
 
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Thanks for all the replies...

I am in great shape...not fat or unhealthy. I can shoot handheld for hours with my rig (JVC GY DV500...about 15 lbs with batts, wireless, etc.) but have never used a Steadicam. I suppose I'm reluctant to drop 6k on something I might have trouble with but I LOVE the end result of video shot by a skilled steadi op.

Ciao...Jeffro
 
Jeffro,

Zander's comment above: "if it hurts you're doing it wrong." is correct. However that doesn't mean that it won't necessarily aggravate an existing injury.

The Steadicam is designed in a way to make use of your body's own system for weight distribution. Under normal circumstances, using a Steadicam just makes that system stronger as it works. It only hurts when you either "do it wrong", or have poor equipment. Either scenario will attempt to bypass your own structure, and this causes stress points, and therefore pain.

If you already have an injury, that your body has learned to circumvent; then using a Steadicam may cause pain at that point. And it could aggravate your injury.

That being said, the majority of the stress from Steadicam (operated properly) is on your muscles & tendons.. the "pain" new operators feel, is normally just fatigue of the back muscles. There are no nerves in your bones (unless you pinch one), so your "back" (spine) can't actually hurt.


With all that in mind, you probably don't have any clearer answer to your question - and that's not an answer I can give.

Steadicam is a very personal, and therefore it's effects on the body are also very personal. Only you can figure out what will work for you.



My recommendation would be to first read this document by Steadicam Operator Chris Fawcett: Steadicam Posture

Then speak with your doctor - take as much information about Steadicam with you as you can. Make sure that your back isn't susceptible to catastrophic injury. Note that most doctor's don't understand Steadicam very well (or at all) - they can often only tell you about your body, not the rig's effects on it.

Then, take a Steadicam Flyer Workshop: http://www.thesteadicamworkshops.com/
They are about $500 for a weekend, and they will teach you everything you need to know about getting started with Steadicam. They will also give you an opportunity to try out the system in a guided environment and make sure it's something you can do safely. Sounds like you are talking about cameras that are in the Flyer's weight class.

Peter Abraham, who teaches the Flyer workshops, is a world class Steadicam operator and a fantastic teacher. He is regarded as an authority on Steadicam Vest customisation and the vests affects on the body. He used to hump around the biggest rigs for hours at a time. A few years ago he broke his back (in a non-Steadicam related accident) and no longer operates the "big rigs", but he knows the Flyer better than anyone and uses it without trouble. Having him as a teacher to put you into a rig and make sure it's all OK, before teaching you the ropes; is about the best start you can get.

In fact, contact Peter first and ask his oppinion now.


Good luck, and (as always) fly Safe.

- Mikko
 
If your back trouble is a result of degenerative disc disease, don't go with a steadicam. The weight of the steadicam rig combined with the weight of the camera is not insignificant. The "if it hurts you're doing it wrong" is correst-ish, the rig is supported by your body, allowing the arm and camera to extend out and away. If your back injury is degenerative, you're guaranteeing trouble, regardless of the care you take operating. Go with the jib and a good dolly.
 
I've flown steadicam and yes it urts your back. In fact it fells like being punched in the kidneys repeatedly. But the shots look awesome.
 
Ted Churchill (a pretty experienced and accomplished operator whose technique was presumably good) told me flat-out that people planning careers as steadicam operators, should also plan on developing quality relationships with their chiropractors...
 
Sad Max said:
Ted Churchill (a pretty experienced and accomplished operator whose technique was presumably good) told me flat-out that people planning careers as steadicam operators, should also plan on developing quality relationships with their chiropractors...
Click to expand...

Dead-on.

Make friends with a chiropractor and find a good long term supplier of Tylenol.

Mikko is clearly young.
 
It is very difficult to explain steadicam to non-operators (i dont mean it in a demeaning way). For somethings you just have to take our word for it.

Like everything in the world, youth does provide a advantage but thats not all. proper technique and experience compound to make operation of the steadicam easier.

In my opinion the hardest thing is not weight but stamina. So I run 3-4 miles 6 days a week. Next week I will be flying a Panavision Genesis (with the deck on) I expect no problems what so ever.

Good luck and go for it, you'll be fine.
 
Chase said:
"For somethings you just have to take our word for it."...

Never good advice.
Click to expand...

I know it doesnt sound very good but thats what my instructor told me and now after all these years I know he was right. There is no need to re-invent the wheel, there are plenty of elite operators in this forum willing to pass on the knowledge.
 
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