Arrrggg - Finally a Answer Though - Bulged & Herniated Disc
04-16-10, 07:41 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 287
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
3 Posts
Arrrggg - Finally a Answer Though - Bulged & Herniated Disc
It was about 2 years ago that I started having severe pain behind my right knee during hard bike rides and hill rides. I thought I strained my hamstring and after 2 ortho docs, physical trainer, 8 weeks of therapy, ART therapist, expensive bike fitting, stretching, strengthing, posts on here and other websites........ and a few thousand $ later, the pain started in my left ham too and I had not even been doing anything.
None of these symptoms clicked for any doc, specialist, person I talked to etc until I visited a chiropractor since that is about the only think I had not tried. So for almost 2 years, I have been trying to figure out this problem and have been depressed and extremely frustrated largely because I was enjoying tri, liked my weight and fitness level.
In Feb, I went to a chiropractor and in 10 min of discussing the issue, he said I have a lower back issue. Maybe a buldged disk. After a adjustment, I had amazing relief initially but it has gotting worse recently. So he ordered a MRI.
The MRI revealed that I have a bulged disc (L4-L5) and herniated disk (L5-S1) in my lower back and both are compressing both nerve roots. These disks are where the nerves come out for the lower body and explains why the pain in the hamstrings and why the pain started in my left ham even though I was not doing anything.
Have any of yall delt with with this? Any suggestions?
I am somewhat happy the cause has been found but depressed in regard to what it might mean long term and reading/researching does not reveal alot of success stories.
I miss my bike.
None of these symptoms clicked for any doc, specialist, person I talked to etc until I visited a chiropractor since that is about the only think I had not tried. So for almost 2 years, I have been trying to figure out this problem and have been depressed and extremely frustrated largely because I was enjoying tri, liked my weight and fitness level.
In Feb, I went to a chiropractor and in 10 min of discussing the issue, he said I have a lower back issue. Maybe a buldged disk. After a adjustment, I had amazing relief initially but it has gotting worse recently. So he ordered a MRI.
The MRI revealed that I have a bulged disc (L4-L5) and herniated disk (L5-S1) in my lower back and both are compressing both nerve roots. These disks are where the nerves come out for the lower body and explains why the pain in the hamstrings and why the pain started in my left ham even though I was not doing anything.
Have any of yall delt with with this? Any suggestions?
I am somewhat happy the cause has been found but depressed in regard to what it might mean long term and reading/researching does not reveal alot of success stories.
I miss my bike.
04-16-10, 07:46 AM
#2
Lost
thats quite an ordeal. i'm sure its a relief to know finally what the root cause is. good luck with the resolution, hopefully you'll be back to riding soon!
04-16-10, 08:25 AM
#3
Longing for a Tail Wind
Back problems are a pain (literally and figuratively).
My issue is lower back related and is both genetic and situational. I don't think there is a magic solution and it seems every situation is somewhat different.
For years I tried stretching and that seemed to help, but lately I have focused on core exercises and swimming as means of stretching and exercising my abs and back.
Someone posted this link about back issues and cycling: https://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/art...our-back-24568
I wish you the best of luck. Now when I cycle I try to enjoy every moment and feel like I am playing with fire as I don't know how my back will respond post ride.
My issue is lower back related and is both genetic and situational. I don't think there is a magic solution and it seems every situation is somewhat different.
For years I tried stretching and that seemed to help, but lately I have focused on core exercises and swimming as means of stretching and exercising my abs and back.
Someone posted this link about back issues and cycling: https://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/art...our-back-24568
I wish you the best of luck. Now when I cycle I try to enjoy every moment and feel like I am playing with fire as I don't know how my back will respond post ride.
04-16-10, 08:55 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,570
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1851 Post(s)
Liked 679 Times
in
430 Posts
I was diagnosed with a bulging disc in my lower back when I was 19. I'm 31 now.
At the time, I was working in a warehouse carrying lots of heavy items and no one wore back braces - it was a macho thing, and stupid.
The pain and discomfort kept growing, despite seeing a chiropractor. I woke up one morning, went to roll out of bed, and pain went flying through my body and was momentarily paralyzed by it. I don't recall how I was able to get out of bed, but once I did, I could barely walk.
My mother took me to a nonsurgical orthopedist who did an MRI on my back. It was pretty evident which disc was bulging. The doctor put me on anti-swelling medication and pain medication (which worked wonders) and he put me through physical therapy.
The physical therapy consisted of a lot of stretching, traction, strengthening workouts and using ultrasound to break up the swelling. They had this very special maching that locked my legs and hips in place, forcing me to use lower back muscles to lift weights. A lot of my problems, the doctor and physical therapist explained, stemmed from tight hamstrings that pulled my weak back muscles putting things out of place. The heavy lifting at work pushed me overboard. I went through intense physical therapy for about 12 weeks that summer, then less intense therapy the entire following school year at college.
On a side note, The Big Bossman, a WCW wrestler at the time, was going to the same physical therapist then for the same problem.
Since then, I stretch religiously. I don't get out of bed in the morning without stretching first. I occasionally will tweak my lower back, but have not had any serious problems. I didn't start riding until about 5 years ago and have become stronger every year. I occasionally develop knee and lower back pain, due to tight hamstrings, but I can usually make it go away by stretching more.
Good luck. Find a good doctor. I think chiropractic care can be helpful, but I found the physical therapy to be the best help in the long run.
At the time, I was working in a warehouse carrying lots of heavy items and no one wore back braces - it was a macho thing, and stupid.
The pain and discomfort kept growing, despite seeing a chiropractor. I woke up one morning, went to roll out of bed, and pain went flying through my body and was momentarily paralyzed by it. I don't recall how I was able to get out of bed, but once I did, I could barely walk.
My mother took me to a nonsurgical orthopedist who did an MRI on my back. It was pretty evident which disc was bulging. The doctor put me on anti-swelling medication and pain medication (which worked wonders) and he put me through physical therapy.
The physical therapy consisted of a lot of stretching, traction, strengthening workouts and using ultrasound to break up the swelling. They had this very special maching that locked my legs and hips in place, forcing me to use lower back muscles to lift weights. A lot of my problems, the doctor and physical therapist explained, stemmed from tight hamstrings that pulled my weak back muscles putting things out of place. The heavy lifting at work pushed me overboard. I went through intense physical therapy for about 12 weeks that summer, then less intense therapy the entire following school year at college.
On a side note, The Big Bossman, a WCW wrestler at the time, was going to the same physical therapist then for the same problem.
Since then, I stretch religiously. I don't get out of bed in the morning without stretching first. I occasionally will tweak my lower back, but have not had any serious problems. I didn't start riding until about 5 years ago and have become stronger every year. I occasionally develop knee and lower back pain, due to tight hamstrings, but I can usually make it go away by stretching more.
Good luck. Find a good doctor. I think chiropractic care can be helpful, but I found the physical therapy to be the best help in the long run.
04-16-10, 09:14 AM
#5
Creamy pack filling
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Nine Mile Falls, WA
Posts: 710
Bikes: Trek 8000, Co-Motion tandem, Co-motion Espresso, Yeti Cross, 9Zero7 Fat Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Check out this web site for some good info on spine issues https://www.spineuniverse.com/
04-16-10, 09:29 AM
#6
Dances With Cars
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 10,527
Bikes: TBL Onyx Pro(ss converted), Pake SS (starting to look kinda pimped)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have the exact same pain every once and a while, radiating down my left leg, numbness, etc.. I have a bulging disk and when it's flared up it causes swelling in the SI joint. I get a micro-electrical treatment followed by cold massage. When it's hurting I can ride but can barely walk. Core strengthening, stretching have helped alot, but every once and awhile I head back to the chiropractor, once a year or 2years in this most recent case. a week or two of treatment and I'm good to go for at least another year.
04-16-10, 09:33 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 87
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This is a really big can of worms you are opening, and you will need to do tons of research. I had a herniated disc in my cervical 6/7 space about 8 years ago, and after surgery and several years of physical therapy I am doing pretty well. I strongly recommend finding a good physical therapist, and look for PTs that practice McKenzie techniques:
https://www.mckenziemdt.org/approach.cfm?section=int
You can also find some chiros that use this approach, but my preference would be PT. There is so much information you will need to absorb that I can't possibly fit it into this post, so I want to share the two most important lessons I learned from my ordeal.
First, if you end up visiting either a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon for this issue, they are most likely going to want to cut. Do not go under the knife unless you absolutely have to, and you have completely exhausted all other treatment options. For me the threshold was permanent nerve damage and loss of strength in my arms. Surgeons will drastically overestimate their success rates, because all they do is look at the MRI and see that they have cut away the offending bulge, meanwhile you are still in extreme constant pain.
Finally, the most important part. This is probably never going away. There is no fix, there is no cure. Some disc herniations heal, but most do not. You will probably be dealing with this issue for many, many years if not the rest of your life. I know that sounds depressing, but the good news is that you can manage it. Your treatment options should focus on the best way to manage the situation and achieve improvement, not on *fixing* it. And the hardest part of this is yourself. Truly accepting the situation is extremely difficult. It will take you a long time, but you have to work hard on it.
https://www.mckenziemdt.org/approach.cfm?section=int
You can also find some chiros that use this approach, but my preference would be PT. There is so much information you will need to absorb that I can't possibly fit it into this post, so I want to share the two most important lessons I learned from my ordeal.
First, if you end up visiting either a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon for this issue, they are most likely going to want to cut. Do not go under the knife unless you absolutely have to, and you have completely exhausted all other treatment options. For me the threshold was permanent nerve damage and loss of strength in my arms. Surgeons will drastically overestimate their success rates, because all they do is look at the MRI and see that they have cut away the offending bulge, meanwhile you are still in extreme constant pain.
Finally, the most important part. This is probably never going away. There is no fix, there is no cure. Some disc herniations heal, but most do not. You will probably be dealing with this issue for many, many years if not the rest of your life. I know that sounds depressing, but the good news is that you can manage it. Your treatment options should focus on the best way to manage the situation and achieve improvement, not on *fixing* it. And the hardest part of this is yourself. Truly accepting the situation is extremely difficult. It will take you a long time, but you have to work hard on it.
04-16-10, 10:07 AM
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 287
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
3 Posts
This is a really big can of worms you are opening, and you will need to do tons of research. I had a herniated disc in my cervical 6/7 space about 8 years ago, and after surgery and several years of physical therapy I am doing pretty well. I strongly recommend finding a good physical therapist, and look for PTs that practice McKenzie techniques:
https://www.mckenziemdt.org/approach.cfm?section=int
You can also find some chiros that use this approach, but my preference would be PT. There is so much information you will need to absorb that I can't possibly fit it into this post, so I want to share the two most important lessons I learned from my ordeal.
First, if you end up visiting either a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon for this issue, they are most likely going to want to cut. Do not go under the knife unless you absolutely have to, and you have completely exhausted all other treatment options. For me the threshold was permanent nerve damage and loss of strength in my arms. Surgeons will drastically overestimate their success rates, because all they do is look at the MRI and see that they have cut away the offending bulge, meanwhile you are still in extreme constant pain.
Finally, the most important part. This is probably never going away. There is no fix, there is no cure. Some disc herniations heal, but most do not. You will probably be dealing with this issue for many, many years if not the rest of your life. I know that sounds depressing, but the good news is that you can manage it. Your treatment options should focus on the best way to manage the situation and achieve improvement, not on *fixing* it. And the hardest part of this is yourself. Truly accepting the situation is extremely difficult. It will take you a long time, but you have to work hard on it.
https://www.mckenziemdt.org/approach.cfm?section=int
You can also find some chiros that use this approach, but my preference would be PT. There is so much information you will need to absorb that I can't possibly fit it into this post, so I want to share the two most important lessons I learned from my ordeal.
First, if you end up visiting either a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon for this issue, they are most likely going to want to cut. Do not go under the knife unless you absolutely have to, and you have completely exhausted all other treatment options. For me the threshold was permanent nerve damage and loss of strength in my arms. Surgeons will drastically overestimate their success rates, because all they do is look at the MRI and see that they have cut away the offending bulge, meanwhile you are still in extreme constant pain.
Finally, the most important part. This is probably never going away. There is no fix, there is no cure. Some disc herniations heal, but most do not. You will probably be dealing with this issue for many, many years if not the rest of your life. I know that sounds depressing, but the good news is that you can manage it. Your treatment options should focus on the best way to manage the situation and achieve improvement, not on *fixing* it. And the hardest part of this is yourself. Truly accepting the situation is extremely difficult. It will take you a long time, but you have to work hard on it.
You are right, I know it is a can of worms. The main reason I posted here and on another forum is to get real world experiences. Doctors, chiros, etc, tend to always say they will fix you but if you talk to real people that does not seem like the results that real people get. I get weary of things that garantee a solution, cost alot, required constant visits, lots of ongoing meds,etc. It seems that finding docs that care more about you than their checkbook is hard. I actually believe that in many cases, you (the one that has delt with this issue or a similar issue) may even care more than the doctor even though you have never met me.
I have heard of the mckenzie method and I will look into it. Seems like at least one of the mckenzie exersizes is well excepted.
Nutt, you read me well... accepting this is difficult. I have been fighting for almost 2 years without even knowing the true cause. So it is good on one hand to know but on the other the reality of a long term problem can be depressing and that there is so easy one solution. It seems that many find different things that work for them and it does take time. At least I know where to focus now.
04-16-10, 10:09 AM
#9
Dances With Cars
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 10,527
Bikes: TBL Onyx Pro(ss converted), Pake SS (starting to look kinda pimped)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm going to need to be crippled before I let someone cut into my spine.
04-16-10, 10:12 AM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Laurel, MD
Posts: 73
Bikes: '07 Felt F85, '14 Cervelo S3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I had a case of 3 herniated discs last year and went through agony. At that time I was training for a marathon and the initial symptoms were of sciatic pain. The doctors ruled out any long distance running due to repeated impacts on the spine. After 6-7 weeks of physiotherapy I am back on track - though I had to give up on my running and am back to biking. Fortunately I am now pain free - other than occasional numbness around the knee and tingling of thigh muscles. I concur with a lot of comments that 'nutt' made wrt living while managing it.
04-16-10, 10:19 AM
#11
Portland Fred
Haven't had a herniated disc to my knowledge, but I've been dealing with back pain for a long time.
As far as nonmedical things that you can do yourself go, I've found swimming far more effective than anything else. I swam 1km every day for years until I didn't have access to a pool. I hate swimming, but I'd do it again in an instant just for the therapeutic effect.
If I'm off the bike for a few days, my back starts really acting up.
As far as nonmedical things that you can do yourself go, I've found swimming far more effective than anything else. I swam 1km every day for years until I didn't have access to a pool. I hate swimming, but I'd do it again in an instant just for the therapeutic effect.
If I'm off the bike for a few days, my back starts really acting up.
04-16-10, 10:33 AM
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 287
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
3 Posts
Thanks. I would love to be swimming as I was doing Tri but my shoulder started hurting quite a bit..... That is another thread though. LOL I really need to see the doc on the shoulder.
04-16-10, 10:53 AM
#13
Banned.
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Carlsbad, CA
Posts: 6,434
Bikes: '09 Felt F55, '84 Masi Cran Criterium, (2)'86 Schwinn Pelotons, '86 Look Equippe Hinault, '09 Globe Live 3 (dogtaxi), '94 Greg Lemond, '99 GT Pulse Kinesis
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 389 Post(s)
Liked 270 Times
in
153 Posts
Ugh. Sorry to hear it, Moore.
I had the exact same problem at the exact same location (primarily L5-S1). Went undiagnosed for more than 6 months (
by a POS doctor who refused my many requests to review the MRI! ), and I went 4 of those months without being able to sit in a chair, drive a car, ride my bike, go on dates, or sleep for more than three hours without having to get up and walk around. I had to stand all day, every day at work with tech manuals stacked under my keyboard, mouse, & monitor. 
Mine took two surgeries to correct, and it still bothered me a little after the surgeries. The surgeon and another guy who had the surgery said "it will never be 100% again."
BUT when I got into yoga, it made all the difference! I had a hard time concentrating on being mindful etc. in the yoga studio with a bunch of scantily-clad young women around, so I eventually got some DVDs with this little Asian guy Rodney Yee.
Now I'm riding centuries again, sitting with impunity, and sleeping through the night! (Haha--after four months of waking up in the middle of the night to walk around, I'd become a chronic sleepwalker. I'd wake up walking down the sidewalk. I finally cured myself of the sleepwalking by stacking coins on my doorknob, which would clatter when I tried to leave.
Check for this video in your library or Netflix. I still do it once or twice a month, and my back is pretty much 100%. When I go back and read my journals from that dark time, I can't believe how lucky I am. I thought my life was pretty much over at 38.
Good luck and keep us abreast.
I had the exact same problem at the exact same location (primarily L5-S1). Went undiagnosed for more than 6 months (
by a POS doctor who refused my many requests to review the MRI! ), and I went 4 of those months without being able to sit in a chair, drive a car, ride my bike, go on dates, or sleep for more than three hours without having to get up and walk around. I had to stand all day, every day at work with tech manuals stacked under my keyboard, mouse, & monitor. Mine took two surgeries to correct, and it still bothered me a little after the surgeries. The surgeon and another guy who had the surgery said "it will never be 100% again."
BUT when I got into yoga, it made all the difference! I had a hard time concentrating on being mindful etc. in the yoga studio with a bunch of scantily-clad young women around, so I eventually got some DVDs with this little Asian guy Rodney Yee.
Now I'm riding centuries again, sitting with impunity, and sleeping through the night! (Haha--after four months of waking up in the middle of the night to walk around, I'd become a chronic sleepwalker. I'd wake up walking down the sidewalk. I finally cured myself of the sleepwalking by stacking coins on my doorknob, which would clatter when I tried to leave.
Check for this video in your library or Netflix. I still do it once or twice a month, and my back is pretty much 100%. When I go back and read my journals from that dark time, I can't believe how lucky I am. I thought my life was pretty much over at 38.
Good luck and keep us abreast.
04-16-10, 10:58 AM
#14
Banned.
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Carlsbad, CA
Posts: 6,434
Bikes: '09 Felt F55, '84 Masi Cran Criterium, (2)'86 Schwinn Pelotons, '86 Look Equippe Hinault, '09 Globe Live 3 (dogtaxi), '94 Greg Lemond, '99 GT Pulse Kinesis
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 389 Post(s)
Liked 270 Times
in
153 Posts
P.S. I defy anyone to go through this, and learn about our spine being of a bunch of jagged, pointy bones, separated by little sacks of silly-putty (ooh and let's route a few major nerves in there too while we're at it), and conclude that we humans are the product of Intelligent Design.
04-16-10, 11:03 AM
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 287
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
3 Posts
P.S. I defy anyone to go through this, and learn about our spine being of a bunch of jagged, pointy bones, separated by little sacks of silly-putty (ooh and let's route a few major nerves in there too while we're at it), and conclude that we humans are the product of Intelligent Design.
04-16-10, 11:07 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,309
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I can relate to your ordeal! Everyone is different of course, but I too was diagnosed with L4-L5 herniated discs. For 2 long years I could not walk for more than about 800 yards a day total! Coulcn't stand for more than 45 seconds at a time. I could ride my bike in moderation.
Eventually I got surgery. It took a while but I got better. Everyday I do physical therapy; I keep my weight down and I know my limits (can't walk for more than 45 minutes at a time without mild pain; can't stand all day, etc). But I can ride my bike as much as I want. I'm up to about 175 miles per week -- and I improve every year. So surgery worked for me.
Fwiw, I decided to go for it, and take the risk because my life was unmanageable and I didn't have much to lose.
04-16-10, 11:08 AM
#17
On the Move
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,219
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Yep, herniated disk in Jan 2005 from picking up a big TV. S5 I think.
It first manifested as left leg pain, which was then mis-diagnosed and I was sent to a PT. After a month the PT said it should be getting better, suspected the back, and I was sent back to the doctor where the herniated disk was found in the scan. Early on the leg pain could be really bad, made worse by driving a stick and having to clutch.
I received one round of steroid injections to the back, but other than that is was just a time thing. I was pretty fine walking, but had to give up riding that year since that hurt. By the time it was diagnosed as something that would take time, I already had used flyer miles for a trip to France to see the Tour. It was a great trip but less so without the bike. I even hiked 20 miles round trip to the top of the Galibier.
So OK, for me it was time and nothing stressful on the back. It took a solid 1 year to get back 100%. No riding, no real lifting, some back stretching exercises, but walking was good. Oh, and a regiment of (for me) one ibuprofen at a time since its an anti-inflammatory. This really helped. The PT shows you one great move where you flex the spine opposite of the bulge, which lessens the pressure on the bulge. Since then, I've had no back issues.
It first manifested as left leg pain, which was then mis-diagnosed and I was sent to a PT. After a month the PT said it should be getting better, suspected the back, and I was sent back to the doctor where the herniated disk was found in the scan. Early on the leg pain could be really bad, made worse by driving a stick and having to clutch.
I received one round of steroid injections to the back, but other than that is was just a time thing. I was pretty fine walking, but had to give up riding that year since that hurt. By the time it was diagnosed as something that would take time, I already had used flyer miles for a trip to France to see the Tour. It was a great trip but less so without the bike. I even hiked 20 miles round trip to the top of the Galibier.
So OK, for me it was time and nothing stressful on the back. It took a solid 1 year to get back 100%. No riding, no real lifting, some back stretching exercises, but walking was good. Oh, and a regiment of (for me) one ibuprofen at a time since its an anti-inflammatory. This really helped. The PT shows you one great move where you flex the spine opposite of the bulge, which lessens the pressure on the bulge. Since then, I've had no back issues.
Last edited by teterider; 04-16-10 at 11:14 AM.
04-16-10, 11:09 AM
#18
Portland Fred
With the swimming, you gotta watch the rotator cuff. Had that problem myself. Trying to figure out how to do enough to actually do some good without injuring yourself or aggravating chronic injuries is not easy.
04-16-10, 11:10 AM
#19
well hello there
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Point Loma, CA
Posts: 15,430
Bikes: Bill Holland (Road-Ti), Fuji Roubaix Pro (back-up), Bike Friday (folder), Co-Motion (tandem) & Trek 750 (hybrid)
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 503 Post(s)
Liked 336 Times
in
206 Posts
I've got some nagging low back pain right now too. I've done a lot of personal web research and even seen a physical therapist a couple times. It's pretty clear that if it's NOT a disk issue, stretching and core work seems the most recommended way to go.
__________________
.
.
Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
.
.
Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
04-16-10, 11:53 AM
#20
Newbie
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 0
Bikes: Trek 4300
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hello everyone,
I am new here and very glad i came accross this post as this is also what is bothering me for almost 5 month. I am only starting to get into cycling but i worry if i can damage my back even more by doing so.... any opinion on this? I was just diagnosed with a minor tear in a disk L5-S1 (fluid came out of the disk causing severe pains).
Also, i have herniated disks in my mid back following bike accident about 10 plus years ago. This resulted in muscle spasm under my right shoulder blade which is causing pain that i almost called 911 (was not able to be in ANY position without pain). I was going to physical therapy and pain management but its seems like only temporary help for about few month and then pain comes back. I started massage therapy just recently so waiting for longer to see if it has positive effect on me. Anyone can suggest something for muslce spasm?
thanks in advance for any advices
I am new here and very glad i came accross this post as this is also what is bothering me for almost 5 month. I am only starting to get into cycling but i worry if i can damage my back even more by doing so.... any opinion on this? I was just diagnosed with a minor tear in a disk L5-S1 (fluid came out of the disk causing severe pains).
Also, i have herniated disks in my mid back following bike accident about 10 plus years ago. This resulted in muscle spasm under my right shoulder blade which is causing pain that i almost called 911 (was not able to be in ANY position without pain). I was going to physical therapy and pain management but its seems like only temporary help for about few month and then pain comes back. I started massage therapy just recently so waiting for longer to see if it has positive effect on me. Anyone can suggest something for muslce spasm?
thanks in advance for any advices
04-16-10, 12:32 PM
#21
Gold Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Haarlem, Netherlands
Posts: 1,313
Bikes: Pinarello Dogma F8, Pinarello Bolide, Argon 18 E-118, Bianchi Oltre, Cervelo S1, Wilier Pista
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 34 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Not true. I herniated my L5-S1 lifting some heavy servers during a datacenter move in 2002. I went through 2 years of bull**** with steroid injections, PT, pain pills, acupuncture, McKenzie, and a bunch of other crap. I finally gave up in December 2004 and had a L5-S1 Lumbar Fusion surgery to remove the disc and fuse the vertebra together. I was roadracing motorcycles back then, and I mad the first race of the season in March, just three months later. The surgery and recovery hurt like hell, but it sure fixed it. I still ride motorcycles, road bikes, mountain bikes, and occasionally run. My usual road bike rides are between 50-100 miles each weekend. So there is a fix - however it is very expensive and hurts like hell. YMMV, of course.
04-16-10, 01:05 PM
#22
Beefcake the Mighty
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Scumdogia
Posts: 591
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I had a bulging l4-l5/l5-s1 from moving last spring. I didn't really thing much of it and ended up with it being ruptured/torn in November. I had severe sciatica and had to drag my right leg around. was on some serious meds too. I ended up going to a chiro and doing pt which helped a great deal. I've started cycling again in the last month or so and am back to maybe 90% pre-injury condition. here is what helped me.
Really light weight, high rep exercises. The goal is to flush lots of blood through the back muscles, and NOT to challenge the muscles in anyway. A few sets of ~30 reps of supermans, back extensions, good mornings (with PVC or a broom stick), cat stretch or hip bridges can really warm up the muscles and make everything feel better. You should feel a pump/burn and maybe some slight discomfort, but if it hurts, stop.
After the muscles are thoroughly warmed up, some stretching might help. You typically aren't trying to stretch anything in the back itself, but rather surrounding muscles that might be tight and putting pressure on it. For me, stretching the hamstrings (favorite: holding a deep good morning with the back straight) and the glutes (favorite: prone glute stretch) can often help the back relax. get an exercise ball, do some planks and pelvic tilts and squats. i like ending with more back extensions followed by and icepack. take vitamins and eat right. I think a lot of cyclist get this injury from muscle imbalances that pull the pelvis and put more strain and pressure on the spine. good luck.
Really light weight, high rep exercises. The goal is to flush lots of blood through the back muscles, and NOT to challenge the muscles in anyway. A few sets of ~30 reps of supermans, back extensions, good mornings (with PVC or a broom stick), cat stretch or hip bridges can really warm up the muscles and make everything feel better. You should feel a pump/burn and maybe some slight discomfort, but if it hurts, stop.
After the muscles are thoroughly warmed up, some stretching might help. You typically aren't trying to stretch anything in the back itself, but rather surrounding muscles that might be tight and putting pressure on it. For me, stretching the hamstrings (favorite: holding a deep good morning with the back straight) and the glutes (favorite: prone glute stretch) can often help the back relax. get an exercise ball, do some planks and pelvic tilts and squats. i like ending with more back extensions followed by and icepack. take vitamins and eat right. I think a lot of cyclist get this injury from muscle imbalances that pull the pelvis and put more strain and pressure on the spine. good luck.
04-16-10, 01:57 PM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Suburban Boston
Posts: 473
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I too have a herniated disc at S1/L5 and a bulge at L4/L5 that happened recently. What I understand though there are different types(?) of herniation. Mine are going sideways and press on the L5 nerve root. Doesn't bother me sitting or riding but standing is a pain. The above post speaks of doing back extensions which I cannot do because of the way the herniation came out. It is best to be aware of your exact situation before doing any stretching.
That being said, I find that walking is a great help (but boring as sin) and light stretching. I have tried massage, chiro, kinesiology and acupuncture as well. While I can't say any has helped but non of them hurt. I do believe the acupuncture helped somewhat. I did the rupture in October and found out in Feb after not being able to stand the pain any longer and went in for an MRI.
Currently I feel good and can ride without issue. No golf though as it hurts in the follow through. It is discouraging at first and what you read can be depressing at times. It will be trial and error for what will work for you but (knock on wood) here is one testament that you don't need surgery all the time.
That being said, I find that walking is a great help (but boring as sin) and light stretching. I have tried massage, chiro, kinesiology and acupuncture as well. While I can't say any has helped but non of them hurt. I do believe the acupuncture helped somewhat. I did the rupture in October and found out in Feb after not being able to stand the pain any longer and went in for an MRI.
Currently I feel good and can ride without issue. No golf though as it hurts in the follow through. It is discouraging at first and what you read can be depressing at times. It will be trial and error for what will work for you but (knock on wood) here is one testament that you don't need surgery all the time.
04-16-10, 02:20 PM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Western Chicagoland
Posts: 1,824
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you MRI a bunch of people with no symptoms, a significant number of them will have bulging discs. some even with herniation. That particular MRI finding does not necessarily cause problems. Furthermore, you can have total remission at least , if not complete recovery, from even worse MRI findings.
I had back pain for a decade, I always thought I kept pulling a particular weak muscle. One day I woke up and my leg was both numb and on fire at the same time. I got an MRI, it showed that the disc had gone way beyond buging and herniating, it had completely extruded out and obliterated the thecal space (space the nerves inhabit). At that moment I realizecd my chronically pulled muscle was probably the disc. Surgery was recommended but not scheduled for a few weeks . 48 hours later, my back felt like I was a teenager again. No pain, no matter how much I moved or flexed it. In the last 10 years I have had three periods of three days that I had excruciating pain, otherwise I have been completely pain free. I actually think I am better off now that the disc has completely blown out than while it was only herniating. I am lucky that there was enough room for the nerves and the disc in the thecal space once things are not inflamed and swollen. Surgeons still think I should have the disc removed.
Just saying that these things don't necessarily doom you to suffering.
I had back pain for a decade, I always thought I kept pulling a particular weak muscle. One day I woke up and my leg was both numb and on fire at the same time. I got an MRI, it showed that the disc had gone way beyond buging and herniating, it had completely extruded out and obliterated the thecal space (space the nerves inhabit). At that moment I realizecd my chronically pulled muscle was probably the disc. Surgery was recommended but not scheduled for a few weeks . 48 hours later, my back felt like I was a teenager again. No pain, no matter how much I moved or flexed it. In the last 10 years I have had three periods of three days that I had excruciating pain, otherwise I have been completely pain free. I actually think I am better off now that the disc has completely blown out than while it was only herniating. I am lucky that there was enough room for the nerves and the disc in the thecal space once things are not inflamed and swollen. Surgeons still think I should have the disc removed.
Just saying that these things don't necessarily doom you to suffering.
04-16-10, 06:08 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Pennsyl-tuckey
Posts: 684
Bikes: '86 Cannondale SR400, '86 Pugeot PX10, '92 Bianchi Axis, '95 Bianchi Campione d'Italia, '00 Fondriest X-Status, '08 Specialized Roubaix, '13 Cannondale CAADX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I've had the L4-L5 and L5-S1 problems episodically for 20 years. For me, running and standing are bad, but cycling once acute symptoms are gone seems to really help. It's a complicated structure and I'm sure each injury fails the cushy stuff in a different way/direction. I say, take advantage of modern pain relievers when you need to, stay flexible and balance strength in your core.
If nothing else, this is a great lesson in patience. Good luck and healthy cycling.
If nothing else, this is a great lesson in patience. Good luck and healthy cycling.