Zeggelaar

I've had a few minor problems with by lower back/neck/shoulders but experienced enough pain to go for treatment. My doctor is an Oriental Medicine Specialist/Chiropractor. (over here many doctors have more than one speciality) He says that the problems are all related, not serious and will require 6-12 weeks of regular treatment involving acupuncture, physiotherapy, herbal medicine and various types of yanking, cracking and twisting of my back and limbs.

The problem is that I am just starting an intensive period of training for the upcoming MTB season with 10-12 hours a week required training. Most of it is spinning/endurance type stuff with some weighlifting. However, I seem to be having more problems. The doctor told me to go easy on the neck (ie. no off-road stuff) for a month. It seems that trying to keep up an intensive schedule is not going to benefit any physical healing. Should I a:drastically reduce the hours for a few weeks, b:take a few weeks off c:keep right on the way I am d:something else.

The overall goal is to be in top shape for the middle of May and I don't want to jeopardize the upcoming season. Any advice would be appreciated.

late

Duh,
keep your dumb a** off the Mtn bike for a while.

Richard Cranium

Boy this is a tough one. I think you should work out even harder, but be careful. No, wait a minute, maybe you should rest. Naw, maybe you go to one of those coach doctor fellas.

Zeggelaar

Okay. I deserved that. But the question remains. Is any level of training okay? I use the indoor trainer a lot and I have NOT been riding the MTB during this time, only the trainer and some flat bike paths. As for a coach doctor, if you can find one over here, give me a shout. Sports training is not a big thing over here unless you're into short track speed skating or football. I've seen competitive cyclists smoking at the start line.

late

Hi,
there are about a zillion things I don't know. One is the answer to your question.
If I was in your shoes, I'd take 3 or 4 days off. Then start with an easy 30 min ride.
If that causes no problems go for a 45 minute ride or spin at a moderate pace.
Increase the time and load gradually, if there is trouble, back off for a while.

slim_77

+1, you said it best.

ericgu

Lower back problems are typically a sign of insufficient core strength and flexibility. Until you address those base problems, you may feel a little better but you'll be prone to re-injury.

My advice:

1) Stop the weightlifting. That can put high loads on muscles, which isn't what you need if you're having problems.
2) Work on your flexibility, especially in the back, hamstrings, hip flexors, etc. Lack of flexibility leads to a whole host of problems on the bike.
3) Keep up with the easy riding, as long as they aren't hurting (a bit of discomfort is okay).
4) Start studying up on core exercises. There are a lot of resources on the web that can help.

Stopping totally for a few weeks is bad - you heal a lot faster when you have regular activity, especially when it's back related stuff.