fused back and kiteboarding???

lance_k · Since 04 May 2005 561 Posts Hood River Photographer

so i've got a friend (girl) who has her L4 L5 vertebrae fused from an accident. it's an on going issue- back problems...

what would the medically informed folks out there say about her getting into the sport- bow kites and all.

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1735 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

Yikes! Depends on how the person feels. Probably not a good idea, but I ride with a blown out L5-s4 disc-bla blah blah. Not a good idea either. I figure- I might as well have fun when I can. right?

trevorsmith · Since 25 Apr 2005 501 Posts PDX Addicted

I ruptured a disc and kiteboard without issues
I find if you have proper fitting gear you should be fine. I think it takes way more stomach muscles than back. Can she snowboard? If you can snowboard I think you can kiteboard. Put her on a large trainer with a harness and see how it feels.

Bettyboarder · Thu Jun 07, 07 9:57 pm

Maybe put her in a seat harness might be less stressful to her back.

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1726 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

If it were me, (as was the case last summer) I might seek a recommendation from her doctor/neurologist prior to activities.
Regarding seat harnesses, I felt good once returning to the sport. They are going to be less stress on your back.
Best of luck to your friend.

stringy

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

I ride with a desicated s1/L5 disc and a herniated L5/L4 disc.

I feel it once in a while. No big handle pass or dangle spins.

Fused though ????

kind of scary.

Don't know if its worth getting her hooked because
she may not be able to stop then.

seat harness for sure though.

does she like pain??

trevorsmith · Since 25 Apr 2005 501 Posts PDX Addicted

personally I don't like the seat harness, they always seem to give you a wedgy when you get worked. The Integrated Dakine Boardshorts/harness are way more comforatable and don't ride up your ass when getting worked. You can sit down in them too with out having to take them off.

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

Mystic my friend, Wink

mystic.

trevorsmith · Since 25 Apr 2005 501 Posts PDX Addicted

yes, a standard waist harness works for many people..and there is a big difference on pull between waist and seat style harness.
But for me, when I get worked with a waist harness, I'm eating spreader bar. If I was shaped more like Rocky Balboa with a 30in waist and 42in chest it would work nice. But I'm not Crying or Very sad

And I imagine most girls don't like their boobs getting all smashed by their harness like this pic.

Just a thought before you purchase..

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1313 Posts Possessed

my lower back hurts and I get tingling in my left leg
when something in there pushes on my sciatic nerve.
I pulled/sprained my left SI joint water skiing years
ago. Never happens when I'm riding. Mostly if I'm
just standing for a while the day after I've been riding.

I've been told to get surgery but I went to a surgeon
with my MRI and he said he couldn't help me. So I
went to the coast and went riding.

I want to go to another neuro doc but I want a damn
good one. It seems every time I have my car worked
on I need to take it back to have them fix it right. I
can't do that with my body. Recommendations?

I use a waist harness. I spend a lot of time unhooked
and that extra mobility and movement helps keep
the loads from concentrating in one area. I move
a lot when I ride to keep things loosened up.

I use a small kite and keep it low in the power. Just
off the water to 45 degrees max. It generates a lot
more horizontal drive down low and keeps my harness
from riding up.

Strapless surfboard is also great for me because
I can use the small kite; I don't need to edge since
I'm riding the fins. but it does work my back leg
and SI joint if I ride to long without switching my
stance. Like on a long down-winder.

-Hein

trevorsmith · Since 25 Apr 2005 501 Posts PDX Addicted

Go see these guys MDT first before surgery..great people!
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/33645975/portland_or/mechanical_diagnosis_therapy.html

http://www.healthgrades.com/directory_search/physician/profiles/dr-md-reports/Dr-Thomas-Rosenbaum-MD-882A78CB.cfm

Dr. Rosenbaum is his the guy that did my surgery...
He rocks..he was recommened to me by another person that ruptured his disc.

My back is better than it was when I was a teen. Not that I had a good back when I was a teen..but way better.

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Jun 08, 07 10:33 am

I know virtually nothing about backs other than mine get sore easily but I think your friend has to ask...Is it really worth the potential consequences? Is anything worth being paralyzed? I really can't think of any worse fate than screwing your back or spinal cord up for good.

endoshred · Since 22 May 2006 232 Posts HR Stoked

people probably know about lumbar larry of white salmon and la ventana. he broke his back kiting 6 years ago and has some fused vertabra. he has been kiting up a storm in recent years, going out almost every day in ventana thru the winter. a back injury like that may create soreness, but shouldnt be the end of activity like that.

definately seems like a question of how you want to live post injury. i'd see the doctor and see how well it is healed. injury and pain is inevitable for all of us if we keep hitting it hard. just gotta keep pushing forward. if you stop playin you stop livin.

alleycat · Since 29 Jun 2006 176 Posts Portland Stoked

Ok my best medical advice is to have her see a specialist with all three harnesses in hand (waist, seat and pants). I am sure the guys at ASI would be more than willing to allow your friend to borrow the equipment for the appointment. The neuro specialist along with the rehab specialist can take a good look at all three options by visually inspecting the pressure points that each individual harness applies/does not apply to the specific area that needs attention. Bottom line is exercise being part of your life equates to longer heathier life and I am sure that the rehab people will get a rush out of helping you with this....they love out of the ordinary type of challanges....

I hope this helps as I am forcing restraint from kite addicted personality in telling her to just get out there and give it a try.

Good luck and see you on the water..