Lower Back Pains

**Girotogo** · 03-20-2015, 11:11

Hi All. I'm getting lower back pains from sleeping in my hammock. My setup seems right...30 degrees, diagonal lay. Any ideas?

**pgibson** · 03-20-2015, 11:17

Could be any number of variables...length and type of hammock, stretch in the fabric. The first thing I would try is some support under your knees. Calf ridge or hyper extension in the legs bugs my back. Roll up a sweatshirt or put a small pillow under you knees.

**SilvrSurfr** · 03-20-2015, 11:36

What hammock are you sleeping in?

**Girotogo** · 03-20-2015, 18:29

It's a diy ghost hammock (Sgt Rock design) 1.1 ripstop. I'm 210 and definitely has stretch. I have used it the last 2 year and felt fine. The lower back ache started this season.

**SilvrSurfr** · 03-20-2015, 18:47

Well, if it just started, then that definitely points away from the hammock (unless it's compromised) and towards a change in your body. However, I think the ghost hammock design is very unforgiving with its width and length. An 11 ft., 5 ft. wide hammock might be just the ticket to fix your issue.

**Lynx_Gen** · 03-20-2015, 19:26

I find when I put up my hammock, (DD jungle) I put it as tight and straight as I can. Anything less and it bugs me eventualy. with a diagonal lay, and tight, I end up wigth a nearly flat sleeping position even tossin n turnin n rolling about.
the trick could just be a bit more padding. I find when sleepin in the winter, where I have a tonne more bags n padding etc, it bugs me far less than in the summer where its simply me on the hammock with a blanky. I presume its simply the extra padding etc vs the laying on the `Solid`and firm parts.

try tossing down a pile of blankets n pillows under you in a back yard test, wiggle around till your comfy. if it solves it, then you know your problem..

**Tarheel Hanger** · 03-20-2015, 22:14

I have back problems all the time. But the hammock is so much better for me. I put my clothes in a stuff sack under my knees. That does help.

**IRONFISH45** · 03-20-2015, 23:31

Interesting your back just recently started bothering you. Have you lost or gained weight?

Have you checked over your hammock to be sure all is well?

Do you have pain in your hip or leg?

What part of your back hurts?

When I am Hanging, is the only time my back does not hurt!

**Girotogo** · 03-21-2015, 00:41

it is strange. I switched to the hammock because of old age...ha! I have a ridgeline and it is loose when I set it up. Once I get in it is tight. Is this correct or should I set up with the ridgeline tight from the start

**goanywhere** · 03-21-2015, 03:47

Sorry to Comment on your weight but if you are overweight you can expect skeletal problems as you age. This is not a criticism just a reality. If you can get some weight off things might improve. You could also try a hammock with a flatter lay, such as a Hammock Bliss Skybed. Have you had a medical examination to try to get to the bottom of this?