[Gocamino] Fw: Re: Robert's back pain

Wed Apr 29 12:26:31 PDT 2009

I have a question about pack transport. I read somewhere that pilgrims who don't carry their own packs may not be allowed to stay at some of the albergues. Does anyone have any information about this? It doesn't seem fair, especially if a person has blisters or an injury. Maybe the refugios used to have this rule and no it no longer exists---I think I read this in someone's Camino account that took place 10-12 years ago, but am not sure. I ask because the first time I walked the Camino Francés, my sister (age 69) joined me for part of it and I hired pack transporters during her portion, but we weren't staying in the albergues. This fall I am planning to walk again and stay in the albergues...and would like to know if use of the pack transport option could cause other problems, like being denied access to an albergue. Thanks,Deborah

> Date: Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:27:45 -0700
> From: highbell at sbcglobal.net
> To: gocamino at oakapple.net
> Subject: [Gocamino] Fw: Re:  Robert's back pain
> 
> I used them in France.  I had many blisters, and someone suggested that the weight of my pack was the culprit.  They were very helpful, prompt and even (by luck) had some one who spoke English when I made multi-day plans.
> Good luck,
> Bridget
> 
> --- On Tue, 4/28/09, patrush1 at verizon.net <patrush1 at verizon.net> wrote:
> 
> From: patrush1 at verizon.net <patrush1 at verizon.net>
> Subject: Re: [Gocamino] Robert's back pain
> To: "deb berman" <dberman101 at hotmail.com>, "Janet Burgos" <sigburgos at gmail.com>
> Cc: gocamino at oakapple.net, backpack45 at yahoo.com
> Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2009, 6:12 PM
> 
> I believe that the French company Transbagage is now operating on the Camino
> Francis.  If this is so, it is worth investigating, Robert.  They will
> transport your pack from refugio to refugio (at a price of course) and will
> sometimes transport you as well.  Pat Rush, beautiful warm and sunny upper New
> York state
> 
> --- On Tue, 4/28/09, Janet Burgos <sigburgos at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> From: Janet Burgos <sigburgos at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Gocamino] Robert's back pain
> To: "deb berman" <dberman101 at hotmail.com>
> Cc: gocamino at oakapple.net, backpack45 at yahoo.com
> Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2009, 8:37 PM
> 
> 
> Robert and all backpained  hikers    There are many resources along the
> path,  I found it useful to send my pack ahead of me severral times, ask
> along the way and you will find the answers you need, they are there  Peace
> and Buen Camino     Janet
> 
> On Tue, Apr 28, 2009 at 4:11 PM, deb berman <dberman101 at hotmail.com>
> wrote:
> 
>>
>> Hi Robert,
>> I hope your back problem clears up soon. What an inconvenient time for
>> something like that to crop up. After the previous knee thing, this may
>> serve as a warning to be mindful of taking good care of your back while
> you
>> travel, which I'm sure you have realized already. Those stretching
> exercises
>> you mentioned are a great idea, as well as Susan's description of good
> body
>> mechanics. Also, being careful when putting on and taking off your
>> pack---try to avoid a twisting motion when lifting the pack up or down to
>> put it on-- if you can set the pack on a surface (a table, chair or bed or
> a
>> half wall) and back directly into the straps, pull the pack toward you and
>> then stand up---much easier on the back than lifting the pack with one
> hand
>> and swinging it around. Same thing in reverse for removal. This strategy
> may
>> be helpful depending upon the nature of your back problem, but it sure
> saved
>> a lot of wear and tear on my (aged, scoliosis-ridden) spine and spared me
>> some pain and misery.
>> As you mentioned, the sitting and the long plane ride may be the most
>> difficult part, but then you'll BE THERE--lucky you!
>> Best wishes for your good health and Buen Camino,
>> Deborah
>>
>>> Date: Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:15:59 -0700
>>> From: backpack45 at yahoo.com
>>> To: gocamino at oakapple.net
>>> Subject: [Gocamino] Robert's back pain
>> >
>>>
>>> Hi Robert,
>>> For one who suffers from back problems from time to time, I
> understand
>> how uncertain you are feeling.
>>>
>>> There is no doubt in my mind that stress adds to the situation.
> I've been
>> slated to go on several trips over the years where the back problem came
> up
>> just before the hike/snowshoeing adventure. My chiropractor has worked
>> miracles more than once enabling me to forge ahead every time.
>>>
>>> What I have found is that those back twinges serve as a warning sign
> that
>> something is out of alignment (or whatever), and they take some time to
>> recover; for me it's usually a 3-10 days process. Basically (in
> non-med
>> terms because I'm not a doctor) there's an inflammation that's
> occurred that
>> needs time to heal--so it is important during that recovery process to
> ease
>> up and use good body mechanics: ((1) not over-reaching to grab something
>> from the top shelf (2) bending your knees when lifting objects rather than
>> bending over from the waist.
>>>
>>> When you are driving or flying, get out of your seat and stretch at
> least
>> once an hour. I have found Motrin to be quite effective at relieving pain
>> and inflammation--also icing (some people like warm compresses) and Tiger
>> Balm can help (although Tiger Balm smells really weird so you might not
> want
>> to wear it on the airplane).
>>>
>>> Hiking (according to my chiropractor, my doctor, and me) is probably
> the
>> best thing you can do for your back. It sounds like you have reduced your
>> pack's weight so I don't have to mention the importance of doing
> so. Good
>> luck to you!
>>> Buen Camino,
>>> Susan Alcorn
>>>
>>> Shepherd Canyon Books, Oakland, CA
>>> www.backpack45.com and backpack45.blogspot.com
>>> Publishers of two award-winning books: Camino Chronicle: Walking to
>> Santiago and We're in the Mountains Not over the Hill: Tales and Tips
> from
>> Seasoned Women Backpackers.
>>>
>>>
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