2006General Discussion forum
Nerve compression and circulation problems from wearing a Steadicam vest while sitting
20 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Wearing a vest in its standing position while sitting can compress nerves at the hip, causing numbness or temporary paralysis in the legs.
- Numbness from nerve compression develops gradually and becomes permanent only with repeated, constant pressure over time.
- Shortening the vest and padding the bottom reduces pressure when sitting for extended periods.
- Removing or loosening the vest during breaks allows blood circulation to recover and prevents cramping.
- Tight vest fit around the waist can restrict blood flow returning from the legs, causing them to feel stiff or wooden.
- Severe, prolonged nerve compression can result in complete loss of leg sensation, making it impossible to stand or walk safely.
- Weight loss can alter how a vest fits, potentially creating pressure points where none existed before.
Depends on
- Reports of permanent nerve damage are anecdotal and based on personal experience rather than medical study.
- The severity of problems appears to depend on individual factors including weight changes, sitting duration, and vest adjustment.
- One account involves an unusually long 30-minute sitting shoot with limited movement, which may not reflect typical working conditions.
- Whether mountain climbing rucksacks truly cause identical problems is mentioned as comparison but not verified in this context.