Prone Position For People With Lower Back Issues

ShawnM

ShawnM

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I'm sure there's a few people out there that have back problems preventing them from assuming a proper prone position when shooting. I have serious sciatica issues and find the prone position to be very painful after more than a couple minutes. When you're waiting for some time for proper wind or breath timing the pain is very distracting to the point of causing me to rush my shots. What used to be my most accurate stance has become my least favorite for obvious reasons.

If you have the same or similar issues what are you doing to help yourself or alleviate the pain while in prone position? Are there custom mats or aids that can assist?
 
I have much the same problems. What used to be my most accurate position is now my most "not so good" position. Rolling onto your side for short periods can help. Of course that is only an option if you have ample time. In my case I only have about 30 seconds to get 6 rds off, which doesn't allow a lot of "side" time.:( Advil before a match seems to help a little also. Good luck.
 
We had one guy in our league with a bad back who would often use a seated or kneeling position instead of prone. Any less stable position could be used when prone was permitted. He did quite well. Much like the Creedmoor above, weight and shape of rifle definitely com into play though.
 
I read this thread out of interest not need and the question about muzzlebrakes occured to me: I only have one rifle with a brake, and laying prone shooting even ten-fifteen rounds, the ground beneath is bare of debris except rooted vegetation. In the Creedmoor position, the muzzle does not extend past the shooters feet. Would this eventually cause powder burns or injury to the lower leg especially after repeated shooting if a brake is used? not that a leather shield couldn't be used etc.
 
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Try the position used by David Tubb, it may help you. Instead of laying (sort of) flat on your stomach you actually roll over almost on your side, but not quite. With your right leg bent up a bit more than usual it's very comfortable and the bending of the knee takes some pressure off the back. You'd have to try it a few times on the floor to see if it works for you but don't just try it once. It's a new position and may feel a bit odd at first but if it takes away the pressure on the back it's worth it. I find it very comfortable with the added benefit of taking pressure off your diaphragm so breathing is easier. As I mentioned though, you have to try it a few times to get use to it. Best of luck, hope you have some success.
 
I have LBP and sciatica as well, I actually do well in the prone postion and laying on my stomach, almost a relief postion for me, It is one reason I am moving into precision as a sport and away from 3 gun where I have some issues with running.
 
I used to go to the chiropractor 5 to 6 times a month, when finally my wife told me to go to a real doctor. He sent me to physiotherapy and they evaluated me for about an hour and gave me a set of exercises to do 3 times per week and I haven't had a problem since and that was over 2 years ago.
 
Cowboy Shootist said:
I used to go to the chiropractor 5 to 6 times a month, when finally my wife told me to go to a real doctor. He sent me to physiotherapy and they evaluated me for about an hour and gave me a set of exercises to do 3 times per week and I haven't had a problem since and that was over 2 years ago.
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I totally agree. Proper physio and Core strength can make a world of difference.
I do find that in the prone, it is more neck strain than pressure directly on the back - that neck strain does transfer lower though, so work on and adopt a position that removes as much impact on the spine.
 
Instead of prone, it's sitting for me (more like squatting and "derriere" on ground); one elbow on each knee.
 
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