Training & Nutrition - SI joint back pain

Well, I went to the orthopedic doctor for my lower back pain and he determined that my SI joint was irritated. Fortunately there is no bone/disc/nerve damage. I have been told to stay off the bike "for a little while, just while your PT gets going". I'm sure it's hard to say how long it will take for PT to get this thing back in shape. One thing I do know is that continual riding irritates it.

Has anyone else had experience with SI joint problems? How long did it take to get over it with PT or time off the bike?

Given that my base training just started, I suppose it's not the worst time to take off, but it means I'll postpone the start of my training and thus my peak later next year... This stinks.

Well, I went to the orthopedic doctor for my lower back pain and he determined that my SI joint was irritated. Fortunately there is no bone/disc/nerve damage. I have been told to stay off the bike "for a little while, just while your PT gets going". I'm sure it's hard to say how long it will take for PT to get this thing back in shape. One thing I do know is that continual riding irritates it.

Has anyone else had experience with SI joint problems? How long did it take to get over it with PT or time off the bike?

Given that my base training just started, I suppose it's not the worst time to take off, but it means I'll postpone the start of my training and thus my peak later next year... This stinks.
I have had the same type of pain but it was due to an injury. Riding the bike actually helps to loosen up my back. When I'm done with the ride I stretch then use ice. Lower back pain is NO FUN. Good luck

Tim

I must be having a brain cramp. What is SI?

I must be having a brain cramp. What is SI?

Sports Illustrated.. (duh!)

sacroilliac. I had trouble with mine in Track & Field in my college days. Unfortunately, I never really found anything that made it feel better. Rest usually made it go away and then I could start up again and pray that it didn't come back... for the most part it didn't. I really only had pain there on 2 or 3 occasions over 5 years. Biking has never given me any trouble.

Hopefully you have a good PT and they can help you out!

I had a slight separation of my SI from a bike crash this summer and cycling was about the only lthing I could do that wouldn't cause pain. Took some time to heal from that little mishap.