threw out my damn back

T

treynolds

Well-known member
So i was on a photo shoot yesterday. for the first half of the day i shot BTS footage for the company. for that part of the day I was using my t2i rig (about 5lbs so nothing to extraordinary). then when we got to the 2nd location (after 4 hours at the first location). When we moved on to the 2nd location i was shooting with my t2i again but just still and i shed down the weight to about 3lbs. This, again, is nothing to crazy for me to shoot with. I was shooting for about an hour in a freezer (15degrees f, about -10 c) and the cold wasnt a problem at all for me (Canadian in California).

This morning comes around after a terrible nights sleep and i can hardly stand. I had to make my way into the office today to get some work done (web design during the day/video and photo work nights and weekends).

So now I'm really scared because i want to transition my career completely over to video and photo work but i cant even stand let alone operate today. I could only imagine what you steady cam guys go through.

Any tips for keeping my back strong and help avoid future injuries?
 
Yep, stretching prior to any prolonged type of work. 5 and 3 pounds may not sound like much, but after a few hours, it feels much more.

Plus, in and out of those temperatures back and forth put a stress on your body (LOL, So Cal outside, Canada inside?). Surprised you haven't gotten sick yet. I got knocked flat on my back when I worked a day in a sub-zero freezer. Summer temps outside, Antarctica inside.
 
Thanks for the support guys. I guess its time to start doing some exercises to strengthen it up. I have started to come down with a bit of a cold. Hopefully its not related.
 
Is corny as it may sound. Yoga is outstanding for camera work. Keeps you flexible, strengthens the core, and teaches you how to breath (this one element is huge to hand held shooting).
 
For ANY back pain you need to strengthen the muscles around that injury. CORE exercises. I hurt my lower back in rugby and could hardly sit comfortably on any chair or sofa, even had pinched a nerve on my hip (got treatment with micro-therapy). I suggest you do sit-ups, bicycle pedals and reverse sit-ups (bring your knees up to your chest) 10 reps, 3 times each. Do twice a week after you feel better, do NOT try this while you are still injured.

ICE your back - repeat 3 times a day for 15 minutes a day.

When you start your exercise regime to strengthen your core, start slowly by lying in bed, let legs dangle down the side of the bed (back of knee should be on edge of bed). Cross your arms over your heart and slowly bring your legs up (exhale) and then slowly let your legs down. You can start core training in bed so your back is not on the floor.

Again, wait until the pain subsides and the swelling is taken care of by using ice. Then start core training. Do this for rest of life, 3 times a week.
 
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