Didn't see this in the thread so here is another option. I have had chronic muscle issues with my back since I worked at UPS. Just cut your batch in half. I started with 5 gallons and had to drop down to 2.5 due to constantly straining my back. Buy a 3 gallon carboy and possibly a smaller boil kettle and you are set to go. I actually want to brew more now that I don't have to worry about straining my back. Two adjustments i had to make. I had to buy a smaller boil kettle because the bigger one was boiling off too fast (height to diameter ratio.) I now add rice hulls in my mash because I started getting stuck mashes due to the size of my cooler (another height to diameter ratio I think.) You still get close to a case of beer and it's more fun!
