Fifty Plus (50+) - Maybe This Will Help One of You Guys

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA
Blackberry
03-11-06, 06:32 PM
Back in October, my back went to hell in a rowboat. In one fell swoop, I went from riding centuries to riding in the electric cart at the grocery store. I was on crutches for a month. Maybe more.

I'll spare you the boring details, but if you've got back problems, you may want to consider two things that really helped me a lot.

1) Yoga. Ya gotta be careful to stretch without overdoing it. A good instructor or video will show you how.

2) Pilates. It's pretty subtle, but I find it really helpful. You learn to build core and back strength. And a good teacher will show you how you ought to be positioned on the bike.

I'm still taking baby steps, but I did a 12-mile pain-free ride today, and that really bolsters my spirits.

By the way, I realize these suggestions are not a substitute for a physician's care. But I just thought I'd put it out there for your thoughts and discussion.

jppe
03-11-06, 06:51 PM
My wife is currently enrolled in 4 years of study that leads to "alternative medical" treatments. I'm learning that while at times there is no substitute for conventional medical treatments, in many cases there are options.

The best news is that you're responding and even better your back on the bike without all the pain. Keep the spirits and the activities up!!
greywolf
03-11-06, 09:11 PM
After crashing & breaking my hip 2 yrs ago, my accident insurance (ACC) started my re-hab with aqua-therapy , which is doing exersizes in a tepid swimming pool, the water gives a resistance & also supports your weight so in water at chest level you can walk & move without the crutches.I found it quickly gave me back the streangth to include the more conventinial physio.

Raketmensch
03-11-06, 09:18 PM
I'm still taking baby steps, but I did a 12-mile pain-free ride today, and that really bolsters my spirits.

Fantastic! Here's to continued progress.
roccobike
03-11-06, 09:42 PM
I'll spare you the boring details, but if you've got back problems, you may want to consider two things that really helped me a lot.

1) Yoga. Ya gotta be careful to stretch without overdoing it. A good instructor or video will show you how.
That's great progress. You are wise not to push the issue and increase your cycling time gradually.
I think its interesting, my physician prescribed physical therapy, which turned out to be a number of stretching exercises for my neck problems. Apparently the muscles try to compensate when an injury occurrs to the spinal area.
Here's hoping your progress continues.