THE LOW BACK PAIN
Doctor Kapandji, a great surgeon, was one of the first to compare the human spine to the mast of a boat and the musculature surrounding it to the shrouds (supporting cables attached on either side of the mast supporting it), the pelvis representing the hull of the ship. This comparison is actually consistent, especially since all the pathology of the spine/back can be explained in this situation with the compression that results from it. And to accentuate this comparison, it turns out that lumbar problems are the main one in offshore racing.
It starts at a very young age with children lifting their "Optimist" to launch it. Then the sitting posture, to steer for hours in more or less stable and comfortable positions, or spent in front of the computer and weather files for long hours.
Finally, the over-use of the back muscles, with efforts in a low, enclosed space, bent over a winch pedestal with sails to hoist (knowing that the largest sail in IMOCA weighs around 80 kg), and finally the stacking which consists of moving the "spare" equipment (tools and food) inside the boat at each maneuver to provide righting moment. That means considerable loads to carry or move around.
To prevent back pain generally it is important to try to avoid heavy loads, adopt a good posture (bending your knees or kneeling) and favour gentle activities such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling. Continuous physical preparation, including strength training, core strengthening, endurance and relaxation, remains essential, ideally supervised by a professional. Finally, regular stretching, particularly through yoga, provides flexibility and prevents tension, a practice that can be maintained even at sea. These recommendations apply to Vendée Globe sailors but also to all of us!
