Mithrandir

I really can't catch a break this year. I'm lucky I got addicted to cycling last year, otherwise I would have quit this sport after all the sh#@ I've been through this year.

Last week I started feeling a minor ache in my lower back. Thought nothing of it and kept riding. By Saturday it was painful on the bike, but I could deal with it. By Monday I had trouble walking, but I could still bike fine. Decided to take Tuesday and Wednesday off to rest up and let the back heal.

Boy was I wrong. Tuesday the pain started getting noticeably worse. By Wednesday night walking became excruciating. Got up on thursday, intending to ride, but it hurt even more to walk so I canned that idea. By nighttime I became completely unable to stand or walk. Hoped it would get better this morning, but amazingly it became even worse!

After realising how 3idiculous this was getting I finally forced myself to go downstairs and drive to the ER. I must have looked ridiculous... I felt it. Disheveled, barely able to move without looking like I was in extreme agony...

I made it. Doc had me do a few things, first diagnosis was 'That's not good.' NO CRAP!

Anyway, it's looking like I herniated a disc somehow, leading to sciatica. I could end up needing months of physical therapy. Or even surgery.

My season is now over, and I'm pissed.

PhotoJoe 

Man, I'm so sorry to hear that. However, I spent a year and a half off the bike, and trust me when I say the time will fly by. Focus on getting well, keep your mind focused on your goals and hang in there. You'll be back on the bike before you know it. Again, sorry to hear of the pain.

bigfred 

Sorry to hear about your pain. I've been there, broke my back in '94, had a microdiscectomy in '04 and will need additional surgeries in the future.

My only advice is to take an active role in your diagnosis and treatment. There is a very good chance that I could have delayed or avoided surgery if I hadn't been given some bad medical advice from some of the health care professionals involved.

There will be a back side to this. It can be fixed. And then, you'll be back(ba'da'bump).

Bluish Green

I hope the setback is temporary and you heal well and come back stronger. Hang in there and do well in your rehabilitation, we are pulling for you!

chefisaac

Sorry to hear that. Did he say keep off the bike? Sometimes back pain is not effected by bicycling.

skilsaw

If you are hurting as bad as you say, beware of the pain-killers you are prescribed.
The son of a friend got addicted to oxycontin and is having a terrible time kicking the habit.

Acquaspin

Bummer; See what the docs say after further tests/visits, perhaps it isn't as bad/long as it looks. Ask about swimming or other pool activities, that's as low impact as it gets before sleeping and eating. Hang in there, the bike isn't going anywhere.

catonec 

dont rush your recovery, backs are easily re-injured or you can injure something else by compensating. sciatica blows! I had a pinched nerve from swollen back muscles for a few years. I was prescribed Bextra which was a Nsaid that was pulled from the market because 20 somethings were having heart attacks from using it. Luckily I only used it for 2 months then weened myself off it. My muscles were allowed to heal properly and my pinched sciatic nerve was history.

funrover 

I am sorry, back injuries are never fun. Hope you have a quick recovery!

Shellyrides

Hoping for a speedy recovery for you!

Mark Stone

Sorry to hear this news. But if we know you, we know you won't give up - take it easy, get healed!

goldfinch

Take care!

Fangowolf

Get better

ZmanKC

I'm going through a similar situation except it's a cervical disk. I go to the neurosurgeon on Tuesday. I'm hoping for injections, as I had in a lumbar disk 18 years ago, instead of surgery.

Good luck to you.

jim p

If you can, do something crazy like trying acupuncture. I know of several people that are getting great relief by using the needles. I have never tried it so I don't know how it would work for me.

009jim

I started getting back injuries repeatedly. Reason was I had let my core strength weaken while I was recovering from another injury. My advice to you is join a gym and start doing exercises for your core muscles. Not just the easy stuff you can do on the floor at home - you need to really build up the strength. It worked for me.

Someone here is bound to advise you to see a doctor or physio. You can go to 100 doctors and physios but you'll still keep injuring your back if your core muscles are week.

Ursa Minor

Mithrandir my heart goes out to you. Since I joined this forum a year ago your
posts have inspired me and helped me stay on track. May God bless you.
Charlie

tpy2010

Very sorry to hear about your pain. There are many good sites on the net that can give good instructions and info about herniated and bulging disc's. The water exercises are a great idea. Physical therapy is an excellent idea. If you have a gym membership, a recumbent style exercise bike is often a great choice in place of DT riding. (you are never far from help and it does take strain off of your back. Most people, >90%, can utilize proper body mechanics and good back rehab, over time, and be at their baseline or better. Pain control is important. Accupunture is a viable option. Good Luck, keep the faith. Don't you already have snow in buffalo?
Tom