Fifty Plus (50+) - What should I do?

I have a ride planed tomorrow nothing big but a good ride. So this morning While setting in in a chair I get this muscule spasm in my lower back. This thing will not let go:mad:. Had them before nothing new but the timming sucks. This is the 3rd thing in 6 weeks that has stoped me from riding. So should I ride or rest till I am better?

After turning 50, I was taught some lessons i didn't want to learn about "riding through pain." Now I listen to my body. Speaking for myself, I wouldn't do ride until I felt better. I'd also investigate stretching, back and core conditioning programs.

My response to that would be to go see a good massage therapist, quicksmart! The worthwhile (for this purpose) ones describe themselves as performing 'Sports Massage' or the more technically correct term of 'Myotherapy'.

More often than not aches, pains and spasms of this sort result from us sitting or lying in unusual positions, getting tendons and such out of place and/or nerves pinched, muscles knotted up and such. Soft tissue injuries and inconveniences, in other words. Any half-decent myotherapist will sort that stuff out for you, and will refer you on to more specialised treatment if the injury or condition appears to be anything more serious.

If the treatment doesn't hurt a wee bit it's not likely to be doing any good, but don't be silly in the stoicism. Let the therapist know if it's too uncomfortable for you.

I used those services quite a bit during the latter years of my hard, fast and heavy work in sawmills, and then again recently when, during preparation for a softball finals series I found myself unable to bend or even walk comfortably. (Turned out I'd put some stuff out of place in the lower back/buttocks/upper leg area which saw me twisted up a bit and with one leg sitting an inch or so higher than the other.)


The worst 'specialist' to see straight up, in my opinion, is your G.P. The medical profession is still too 'dark ages' with respect to this sort of stuff, and medical practitioners too often seem unable/unwilling to refer you to someone who can help. You're more likely to have them prescribe you paracetanol and rest, which doesn't really do diddley-squat.

After turning 50, I was taught some lessons i didn't want to learn about "riding through pain." Now I listen to my body. Speaking for myself, I wouldn't do ride until I felt better. I'd also investigate stretching, back and core conditioning programs.

+1

Backs are hard things to figure. It may be best to rest as has been suggested. But then again it may be something that riding would make better. I learned a hard lesson about being too inactive recently. After my recent surgery I laid in bed for two days. This came right after a week of 60+ mile days. I became so sore in my legs and back that I literally could not move - paralyzed by pain. Drugs would not make the pain stop. Two days of walking the hospital floors and stairwells fixed it.

After turning 50, I was taught some lessons i didn't want to learn about "riding through pain." Now I listen to my body. Speaking for myself, I wouldn't do ride until I felt better. I'd also investigate stretching, back and core conditioning programs.

I think you and catweazle are both right. I was setting holding a box level on my legs. Which ment having my feet on tip toe when it hit. I have been doing some stretching to help anouther back problem but when the pain went away I stoped. I know not riding is the right thing but it is so upsetting. I rode one time in June. I am out of bike shape. My legs and lungs are fine but my neck and sholders get tired quick. Like when I started a year ago. You would think doing the right thing would be easy at 55 but I still want to do what I want to do. Guess thats why my knees never got better at 25 when I was racing motorcycles. Still paying for wraping them up and racing. Will I ever grow up? I hope not!

Sounds like your back (oops - almost said bike!) could use the help of a physical therapist. A good one can work wonders to strengthen a weak back. I saw one earlier this year for a few visits. I came home with pages of exercises I do at home with small light (2#) weights, a foam roll, an elastic band, and (eventually, when I finally buy one) an exercise ball. The idea is to strengthen the core and back muscles together while learning to support the upper body with good posture. I can't say enough for the benefits of good PT. Hope you're feeling better soon.... I know how awful back pain can be.