Oh please, not these myths again. If you must post these scare tactics, please back it up with some data. Just some, does not have to be alot.
I like carrying SOB if I am going to be standing more than sitting. Covers well with a shirt or jacket. But not great riding in a car or sitting for long periods. But don't let the myths bother you.
As usual, when Ayoob speaks of the dangers of something, he knows of which he speaks. I don't have the exact site, but if you buy all of Ayoob's books and magazines you'll find it.
When I read Ayoob's advise against this mode of carry at least 20 years ago;
he in fact pointed to a case of a police officer who, while not carrying a gun in that position, he was carrying his 6 cell flashlight over the spine in the 6 O'clock position and became paralyzed when he fell off a chain link fence, and broke his back when he landed.
He advised against carrying a gun, flashlight, or handcuffs in the 6 O'clock position.
Now for me, that was enough evidence to get me to change my ways. I was working in EMS at a time when all of us carried a 5 or 6 cell Maglight and 90% of us carried it tucked in our belt in the small of our back.
I changed the way I carried after reading that article and to be honest. The risk is there, no matter how remote you may feel it is.
Now, if you feel comfortable carrying that way, no worries. I'm certainly not going to bust your chops over it. But please don't spout off that it is all a
myth and it can't happen because that simply isn't true.
As a personal experience which did happen to me... While working in the ER a few years ago, I got pushed by a patient up against a large stainless steel scrub sink which has a large rolled edge of stainless steel about the same diameter as one of those Maglights I spoke of earlier. I hit it in the low lumbar spine area and had an immediate pain and numbness shoot from my back down my right leg to my foot. It remained numb for several minutes and I ended up getting an MRI to ensure I didn't have a herniated or bulging disc. No permanent injury and no herniated disc, but the ER doc said I was lucky. And I knew it too. And also remembered Ayoob's advice which just got reinforced with that incident.
The risk is legitimate. If you place a steel bar across your spine and fall on it hard enough, you can in fact fracture your spine and become paralyzed. It really doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand the concept. If you don't want to trust a lowly paramedic who has been an emergency medicine specialist for 30 years then ask any neuro or orthopedic surgeon.
It may be highly unlikely it will happen to the average Joe... But don't be touting it out to be a myth, Sir because it isn't a myth.