For sheer delight and enjoyment of the best nature has to offer, recreational fishing ranks high on the list of favorite pastimes. The numbers of participants certainly confirm this. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the agency that tracks this type of activity, almost 40 million (39.9 million) American men and women are tossing a line and hoping to catch a “big one” every year.
That’s a LOT of anglers! Plus, since each one goes through the motion of casting hundreds of times during each excursion, that’s a great deal of repetitive stress on the arms, shoulders, neck and back. Anyone who has ever awakened in the middle of the night with throbbing pain in any of the areas of the body after a day fishing understands the reality of this situation.
What This Means for You — Most aches and pains resulting from a day fishing are temporary and can be alleviated by over-the-counter pain medicines such as ibuprofen. Plus, understanding what might cause this pain can enable any angler, of any age or gender to avoid this soreness and any other potentially more serious injury.
A Spine Surgeon Examines Fishing
When talking about fishing with Dr. Rajesh Arakal, a spine surgeon at Texas Back Institute, be prepared to smile. This highly skilled surgeon is also clearly in love with the sport, and his enthusiasm is contagious.
“Since he was a very small child, my son and I have spent countless hours fishing,” he said. “It could be as elaborate as deep-sea fishing in Costa Rica, or as simple as angling for catfish in a small pond. It doesn’t matter to either of us. We love fishing!”
As an avid fisherman and exemplary spine surgeon, Dr. Arakal may be the perfect source for tips on avoiding soreness or injuries that can occur when fishing.
“Minor injuries and soreness are usually situational,” he noted. “What I mean by that is that the place where a line is cast – from a boat or on the bank – is more important to manage than how many casts the angler makes.
“From my own personal experience, and from speaking with patients who have had soreness and minor strains from a fishing trip, back pain is more likely to occur from lifting the weight of a heavy fish, rather than from the repetitive casting motion. Trying to use leg muscles (rather than those of the back) when lifting can help reduce the strain from heavy lifting.
Developing balance, especially with regards to the constant movement of waves on a boat, while avoiding twisting the back or ‘whipping” the neck while reeling in the catch, can allow the angler to avoid back strain and minor injuries. Plus, having shoes or waders that have ribbed soles can help an angler avoid potentially dangerous falls on slippery rocks or wet boat decks.
“Deep sea fishing is the most problematic for potential soreness and injuries of all types of fishing. Setting the hook and retrieving big fish such as Marlin or Mahi Mahi can cause sudden jerks and a long period of reeling in the catch. Plus, in these situations, the fisherman can get caught up in the excitement and forget about maintaining proper balance. Using a deep-sea fishing seat and harness can help a fisherman reduce strains from awkward movements from these large fish. Negotiating the waves, fighting a large (heavy) fish, and being off-balance during the entire process is a recipe for back strain and possible injuries. Building core body strength can help with this balance challenge.
“Of course, if the angler has existing back injuries such as a herniated disc or other disorders, the possibility for exacerbating that injury increases.”
Age and Fishing Injuries
An interesting trend in outdoor sports has emerged over the past few years. Young people have discovered RVing, camping and fishing. This means that what used to be the exclusive domain of “old guys” has become an activity that is enjoyed by people of all ages and both genders. The obvious question for a spine surgeon who is a die-hard fisherman is this. Does age make any difference in avoiding injuries or soreness from fishing?
“The COVID pandemic encouraged many young people to get out of their homes and offices and enjoy the “great outdoors,” Dr Arakal said. “I believe many young people have reassessed their priorities and lifestyles and have found outdoor sports like fishing and camping.
“They are no longer content to just sit in front of a laptop screen or mobile phone. The sport of fishing requires some rudimentary skills, but the equipment is fairly simple and inexpensive. It’s also calming but has enough surprises to keep it interesting.
“In terms of the effect of age on fishing injuries, statistically, older anglers have a higher risk of injuries. This could be due to age-related wear and tear on vertebral discs that might suggest a possible herniated disc, or conditions such as spinal stenosis, where nerves are pinched by such issues as bone spurs or other injuries and diseases. However, young anglers who have a family history of back issues should be alert to any sharp pain that might follow a day on the water.
“The best way for men and women anglers to avoid injuries is to build core or abdominal strength. This can be accomplished with yoga exercises, Pilates training, including planking and resistance training such as weightlifting. Another way to avoid soreness and minor strains is to warm up with stretching exercises before beginning to cast the line.
“The bigger picture is this. We were meant to move, not remain sedentary for long periods of time. Fishing is an excellent way to get physical activity while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. The benefits to spine health far exceed any potential injuries,” he concluded.
If back pain makes it difficult for you to enjoy the simple but gratifying parts of life such as fishing, it may be time to consult a spine specialist like Dr. Arakal. Click here to set an appointment. Then get ready to tell the tale of the big one that got away!