I've finally gone and done it. Tweaked my lower back. Dammit!! Too many hours every day of mad-dog overpowered sailing in big chop. Something had to give!
Questions: For preventing lower back pain, do you prefer a waist harness or seat? How about using a different harness on different days? Does this make any difference?
I always try to keep a straight back, without twisting. I knew something was going to go wrong, because the muscles in my lower back were getting more and more tired and sore this past week or two, but I kept going regardless!!
Willy,
Last time i was in Mui Ne my wife and would get a massage from two little old ladies on the beach. I don't know if it was the calloused hands, a bit of beach sand, my aching shoulders from sailing or a combination of all of the above but I recall the tears running down my cheeks from pain, whilst madly trying to remember the Vietnamese word for "no".. Instant massage and exfoliation..
Still fixed my shoulders and was able to sail again the next day..
Mine is tin fruited from pulling spanners for years, and thats why I go seat.
Go and see a Physio Willy, you'll find you back is out or something. Windsurfing always makes me feel better, no matter how rough the conditions are or how long I sail(unless I have been speared into my sail 
)
I've had lower back pain for 8 years since I tried to lift something way too heavy onto a ute, drives me mad until I go sailing, either waist or seat harness seems to stretch the spine and release the problem spot, pain goes away for a time seemingly correspondent to how strong the wind was. Stronger wind = more pain free time. As I've said before on similar threads, doctors orders are to go windsurfing as much as possible 
Willy,
Your back is hurting probably because your legs are too tensed up. Im guessing you have an office job and sit on your arse all day and (like me) the years add up.
Somethings got to give. Your lower back.
Get a lower back and leg massage. I did and it works.
I think a physio is a good idea.
Gaz
I've found a simple seat harness makes my lower back worse, but my dakine "wave seat", (it's really a waist with good lumber support with a velcro attached seat section) makes my back better. (As long as I'm not grovelling too much and supporting the rig, instead of the rig supporting me.)
Regular core exercise is the ticket - abbs and back. Doesn't have to be strenuous.
Well, thanks for the input.
I tried more windsurfing: VERY BAD IDEA; my back is really messed up now. Big problems.
Next, I tried a massage - and so far there have been no obvious benefits to show for basically having had my entire skeleton systematically dismantled. Ouch.
Tomorrow I may have to actually resort to seeing a doctor! And not sailing!
Arggggghhh!!!!!!!!
Willy I sympathize... I tweaked my back on sunday - it sucks.
One positive thing is that it is a good time to do a bit of maintenance to your gear.
I prefer a seat harness, works for me.
Definitely go to an osteo/chiro/physio - that should give you a big pain reduction. If it hurts too much tell them to stop- its your money! Make sure ask for what exercises/self treatment (heat packs etc) and anti inflammatory's you can take to make the recovery quicker.
Good luck !
