My back is old!

[Cannibal]

So, one of my default lines when somebody asks me why I sleep in a hammock is, "Because my back hasn't gone out since I started". I can't use that line anymore. But, I'm actually kind of happy about it.

I got old on Friday; turned 40. I know, not much left to get excited about except senior discounts at the movies and cheap coffee at McDonalds. As an early birthday present the fates sent me a wacked back. I've been laid-up in my hammock since Thursday and VERY heavily sedated on painkillers and muscle relaxants. I can sort of walk today, sort of.

Here's why I'm happy. Since I was 14 and tried to move a gym wall with my head and spine (diving for a basketball that was headed OB; I made the save BTW), I've had back problems. At least once a year, usually twice, my back would go out. When I say "go out", I don't mean sore. I mean I can't move until it decides to let me. Played HS & College football like that, even spent 2 years on a crew (rowing) team. Kind of got used to being an invalid for a couple of weeks every year.

When I was examining hammocks for my AT hike, I discovered after sleeping in one for 3 nights I didn't feel any pain in the mornings, which was a standard at the time. I made the switch to a full-time hanger immediately and until last week, never had another big issue with my back. It has gotten sore a few times and felt like it was on the edge of going out, but never did it cross that line.

So, all in all, hammocks have helped me live for 3 years and 3 months without my back failing. I will happily accept severe pain every three years in lieu of bi-annually. Just wanted to throw this out there to provide something a bit better than anecdotal evidence that hammocks are beneficial to back problems.

[Riverpirate]

I also have back problems, yard darted by a bull. (If you are thinking abut being a bull rider, take it from me........stay away!) Anyway between hammocks and my Teeter inversion table I have been pretty much pain free.

[Hawk-eye]

I agree with you on those benefits. Living with a boogered up back for over 35 years ... just a night in the hammock on the trail ... and I'm not stoved up the next morning like I would be trying to get comfortable on the ground. I didn't try to move a gym wall with my head but I did see how far you could bounce off a climbing rope and slam into a rock wall ... my limit was about 30 some feet a couple hundred feet up. Fortunately it's been years since I've had those flat on the floor till it releases me moments! But I know what you went through ... not fun.

Oh ... and for the record ... 40 is still a puppy Happy belated BD to you pal

[beep]

Cannibal, I'm sorry to hear that you're laid up...and happy that you're moving around even a little! From first-hand experience I've been in a similar place (though not from any big heroic trauma!) where I needed help to put on socks or pull up my underwear

Thinking healing thoughts at ya, bud!

And FWIW, you've still got a way to go to catch me (age 64!)

[Cannibal]

Oh ... and for the record ... 40 is still a puppy

Only in the eyes of those beyond the number.
Just a number, I know, but you try blowing out 40 candles when you can't fill your lungs without flashing white pain. A thrown back and the "black" birthday make for a combination that would make Peter Pan (the one that flies, not the one that makes quilts ) feel old.

[TiredFeet]

Only in the eyes of those beyond the number.
Just a number, I know, but you try blowing out 40 candles when you can't fill your lungs without flashing white pain. A thrown back and the "black" birthday make for a combination that would make Peter Pan (the one that flies, not the one that makes quilts ) feel old.

Sure 40 sounds old, bu you also get the pleasure of turning 14 next year

Age is just a number.

[slowhike]

Yeah, just a youngin... you got many miles to go

[Bomber]

Sympathy for you Cannibal, not a nice situation...


At age 30 i had a serious herniated disc in L4-L5, which left me unable to use my left leg and go to the toilet

Even after surgery, this little injury left me with chronic neuropathic pains and the "pleasure" of wakeing up every time i have to turn in bed Which of course is kind of destroying any kind of quality sleep...
By a freak accident on a kayaktrip i had to make improvised hammock - and sleept all night

So i sleep most nights in my hammock(wife is not happy about it ) but usually wake up well rested and happy(well thats wifey happy about)

So my hammock is more than a "camping tool" - it´s an essential "life quality insuring device"

I can only recommend sleeping in a hammock if you have back trouble, but of course YMMV

Regards

Bomber

[Ramblinrev]

I can't even see 40 in the rear view mirror any more.

[sir White Wolf]

Good lord Cannibal I thought you were WAY older than me!!!
Dont feel bad I turned 42 June 10th.

Hope yer back gets better my friend.


Hmmm a nice coco butter back rub by a scantly dressed GD might help