One more thing...

This is a reply from my site on sciatic nerve issues.
A lot of people have heard this story over the years.
Back in the 80's, I started kayak fishing with a gnarly case of sciatica caused by trauma in an altercation with a drunken, 340# male nursing supervisor at a work related party. No herniation or rupture of the disk, just a sizeable bulge.  It's CRUCIAL to get a good diagnosis so you know what you're dealing with.
In my case, kayak fishing cured my back and I rarely use the word "cure".
Within a few years post injury, the condition would come and go. A sneeze, cough, lift or nothing-at-all would bring on a raging, painful case of sciatica keeping me off the water. I never had referred pain or numbness above the neck (like the complaint that generated this reply) and I don't remember that sign presenting clinically (I don't remember all the nerve groupings and distributions....it's been a long time). Make sure you tell the doctor about ALL your symptoms.
Anyway, after I started fishing the kayak, I had 2 episodes of sciatica. One sent me crawling for an MRI. Same bulge as before, same place, no worse. Each time, when the pain went away, I returned to the kayak and diligently fished twice a week (at the very least) and made sure I stretched, paddled a few miles comfortably and moved around the boat during each session. In short time, my ab and back muscles started to condition and my midsection range of motion...let's just say that I can still touch the bottom of my feet with both legs extended, with room to spare if I'm really in shape. Try it. I wouldn't call it a "six-pack" under this blubber but I never had this strong a gut and back, even as a kid.
Something like 25 years later, the only time I notice my back now is when I don't fish my kayak once or twice in a week.
When I get a chance, I'll write down some shoulder care for paddlers info, some good articles on this have been penned in paddling magazines.

Added on Date: 08:45:59 04/01/08

Ditto to that...compulsive trolling really strengthend my core.  I used to have endless back issues after getting hit on my bicycle in Marin by a car twice in a few year span.  No more back issues at all, and loving it.

As our resident Physical Therapist there are many benefits to paddling.  Hamstring stretching from long sitting position while in the kayak, core strengthening and stabilization for the lumbar and cervical spine, and shoulder strengthening if you paddle correctly.  Good stuff. 

if you paddle correctly.

I see more and more people buying kayaks but not wanting to shell out a few more $$ to take a class  Proper paddling techniques can prevent future injuries.

Spike, looking forward to reading your article - and thanks for sharing it with us