My back is stuffed, what now?

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roobab
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My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby roobab » Wed Aug 18, 2010 10:33 pm

An old back injury has flared up again. This is a slipped disc injury I suffered 25 years ago.
I just started riding again 7 months ago. So I have lost 3 inches from my waist and improved my cardio by a heap.
But now my back is stuffed !!!
A physio I know says it is due to loss of bulk from my guts.

Nobody
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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby Nobody » Wed Aug 18, 2010 11:05 pm

Maybe:
Try increasing your core strength by specific exercises (this will take time).
Try raising your handlebar height.
Try bringing your saddle forward a bit.
Try using a trainer for a while to avoid road/trail bumps.
Try higher cadence.

I'm no expert but they may be worth a try.

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Thoglette
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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby Thoglette » Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:35 am

roobab wrote:An old back injury has flared up again. This is a slipped disc injury I suffered 25 years ago.
I just started riding again 7 months ago. So I have lost 3 inches from my waist and improved my cardio by a heap.
But now my back is stuffed !!!
A physio I know says it is due to loss of bulk from my guts.
+1 on core strength. Cycling is great for certain leg muscles but generally, sucks for core strength

Pilates, Fencing, TaiChi, swimming (squad, with a sadist directing), skateboarding or similar are indicated. Anything involving legwork and torso control.

Else lots of torso gym work, if that's your thing. Or a unicycle
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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby toolonglegs » Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:56 am

I would say none of the above until you go to a doctor and find out what is wrong.If you have herniated a disc then you don't really want to be doing core strength workouts with out a specialist designing them for you.You are obviously in your 40's or 50's so may do permanent damage if you carry on.Can't see how losing a pile of fat has weakened your back thou!!!.

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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby Baldy » Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:32 am

I had a full Laminectomy at L3/L4 [lower back] to have a tumor removed from the spinal cord. And then another operation two years after that when it grew back, followed by 8weeks radiation treatment. I ended up with some scar tissue leading to nerve problems, it messed with my gait quite a bit still to this day[first op was about 8yrs ago] I only mention it so you wont think im talking out my arse with my suggestion.

I dont sit in chairs with a back at all and if the chair does have a back I dont use it. For whatever reason it works for me, I guess its a passive way of improving your core strength.

But firstly I agree with TLL, go see a doc and get an MRI to get a good idea what your dealing with then take it from there.

All the best with it mate, I know back pain can really get to you in many ways so I hope you find a solution.

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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby Apple » Thu Aug 19, 2010 7:40 am

toolonglegs wrote:I would say none of the above until you go to a doctor and find out what is wrong.If you have herniated a disc then you don't really want to be doing core strength workouts with out a specialist designing them for you.You are obviously in your 40's or 50's so may do permanent damage if you carry on.Can't see how losing a pile of fat has weakened your back thou!!!.
I am with toolongleges, go see your dr for an MRI. Then a specialist will be able to see what treatment you need.
This is only my opinion, I have had 3 discectomies due to the same disc herniating, I changed surgeons and I have been ok since my last surgery in November.
I have strong core because I learned good posture and certain exercises to keep my core strong, But after the treatment from my surgeon. Good luck and I hope all will come good for you.
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Cinder
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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby Cinder » Thu Aug 19, 2010 8:22 am

toolonglegs wrote:I would say none of the above until you go to a doctor and find out what is wrong.If you have herniated a disc then you don't really want to be doing core strength workouts with out a specialist designing them for you.You are obviously in your 40's or 50's so may do permanent damage if you carry on.Can't see how losing a pile of fat has weakened your back thou!!!.
+1

Bang on the money, go see a doc.

I have back issues as well, in my case 3 bulged discs, which in it's self is not that serious but when it flares up, it's a nightmare.

In my case, bikes with drops are basically out and even my Speeder (flat bar roadie) took some tweaking to get sorted so it didn't aggravate the issue.

Hopefully your issue allows you to get back on the bike as well.
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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby scotto » Thu Aug 19, 2010 9:30 am

roobab wrote:An old back injury has flared up again. This is a slipped disc injury I suffered 25 years ago.
I just started riding again 7 months ago. So I have lost 3 inches from my waist and improved my cardio by a heap.
But now my back is stuffed !!!
A physio I know says it is due to loss of bulk from my guts.
i find that weight / obesity does not correlate with low back pain (LBP). i see lots of skinny people with disc bulges, and train lots of obese people after gastric banding who have never had LBP.

IMO, find a physio that practices McKenzie type physio, and improve your spinal flexability. MRI's etc are onloy indicated where there is significant sciatica or neurological symptoms and are used to make opinions about the viability of surgery.

hope that helps

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Apple
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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby Apple » Thu Aug 19, 2010 4:27 pm

scotto wrote: IMO, find a physio that practices McKenzie type physio, and improve your spinal flexability. MRI's etc are onloy indicated where there is significant sciatica or neurological symptoms and are used to make opinions about the viability of surgery.

hope that helps
IMO That is correct, I had sciatica and did go to physio first with the McKenzie but unfortunately for me it needed the op.
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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby roobab » Thu Aug 19, 2010 9:07 pm

Thnx for all the input fellas. I will avoid surgery at all costs. Seen an heard about enough stuff ups.
Am taking a break from the gym and cycling for a couple of weeks and see what happens.
Got my back taped up and some mobilization treatment has helped. This is an old injury which has flared up again.
Cycling has become a godsend for losing weight and improving fitness, and I want to get back on asap.

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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby Nobody » Thu Aug 19, 2010 9:21 pm

I agree with TLL too. Just under the impression that the obvious was already done.

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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby scotto » Fri Aug 20, 2010 7:33 am

roobab wrote:Thnx for all the input fellas. I will avoid surgery at all costs. Seen an heard about enough stuff ups.
Am taking a break from the gym and cycling for a couple of weeks and see what happens.
Got my back taped up and some mobilization treatment has helped. This is an old injury which has flared up again.
Cycling has become a godsend for losing weight and improving fitness, and I want to get back on asap.
taping is a great way to remind you not to bend while you recover

avoid surgery where possible, but if you have to, pick a good doctor - best way to do this IMO is call the physio departments at the large private hospitals ( i dont know Victoria) and ask the physio's who they would go to. Your GP wont have broad enough knowledge of the different surgeons, the physio's that work in the private hospiptals where they operate will have to good oil.
now, if surgery is indicated, (ie, you cant live with the pain, you;re getting neurological symptoms that wont stop, the pain stops you working etc etc,) its generally a godsend.
A Laminectomy will free up that lumbar section, you go home in a day or two, get back to normal ASAP, start light lifing / riding a few weeks later, albeit maybe on a hybrid to avoid sustained bending. most people i know that end up having surgery kick themselves for not having it sooner. I have seen 2 people in my career who have come out worse after spinal surgery, one needed 2 more operations by a competent doctor, one died at the hands of another incompetent one. Fortunately, this is extremely rare nowadays...

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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby Baldy » Fri Aug 20, 2010 2:40 pm

Just a quick point on the benefits of having an MRI. My only pain was sciatic and I was actually first diagnosed with a torn hamstring and was having treatment for that for about a month. After that didnt improve the situation I was diagnosed with a bulging disc and had physio for that for allmost 3 months. After that was not improving the allmost constant pain I was finally sent to have an MRI[at my own cost of about $800] I got the results from a neurosurgeon a week later and went under the knife to have the tumor removed 3 days after that.


"A Laminectomy will free up that lumbar section, you go home in a day or two, get back to normal ASAP, start light lifing / riding a few weeks later"

Yikes I wish, thats nothing like my experience but there are different kinds of laminectomy, some more invasive that others. Plus I assume it depends what they do once they get in there.

All im saying is make sure you know for sure what the problem is first. And that an MRI might give you a clearer picture :oops: :roll: Ive had 35-36 of the bloody things and its extreemly painfull for me to lay flat for the required amount of time since the first Op. But they found the problem and picked up the regrowth, which gave me the chance to have my wheels in front and behind me instead of on either side 8) .

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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby Kalgrm » Fri Aug 20, 2010 7:09 pm

+1 on the core strength.

In the meantime, I suggest looking at recumbents. I've got one and love it. Many choose to ride them due health problems (I like mine because it's fast and fun ...)

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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby roobab » Mon Aug 23, 2010 10:20 pm

After a few days introspection and fear of my biking demise, things are looking a bit better.
My close physio friend diagnosed as disc protusion, not as bad as a disc extrusion. A warning sign to improve my flexibilty and core strength.
Say what? When it hurts, it bloody hurts. But as tough bike hombres we all learn to harden up and deal with it.
So no riding for another week at least. The dogs are enjoying the extra long walks at the moment.
The walking is supposed to force the spine to behave itself. Seems to be doing its job, though I feel like a snail watching happy bikers overtake me.
I try not meander in front of them or make sudden erratic turns as they approach. (cough, cough)
The only time we don't feel pain is when we are dead.

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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby gorilla monsoon » Wed Aug 25, 2010 12:22 pm

toolonglegs wrote:I would say none of the above until you go to a doctor and find out what is wrong.If you have herniated a disc then you don't really want to be doing core strength workouts with out a specialist designing them for you.You are obviously in your 40's or 50's so may do permanent damage if you carry on.Can't see how losing a pile of fat has weakened your back thou!!!.
+ one jillion!

And find a physio who knows what he or she is talking about!

BTW, I wrecked my back (fractured vertebrae, discs removed, etc) about 30 years ago and cycling is the only form of exercise that doesn't hurt (that and the daily workout with Mrs Monsoon :D ).
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roobab
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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby roobab » Thu Sep 09, 2010 9:14 pm

Best thing that ever happened to me. I have been forced to improve my posture, stop the slouching, strengthen my core, hip press ups, keep my back straight all the time, preserve the curve, bend the knees, etc, etc. All the stuff I have been told to do for years, but got lazy about.
Started the riding again and I am now better then before the flare up. So in in one month I am feeling stronger then ever before.
Yes a Physio was involved, and yes, loss of guts can be a contributing factor.

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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby Marty Moose » Thu Sep 09, 2010 10:51 pm

Buy a fit ball and sit on it instead of chairs I avoid chairs as much as possible. I'm typing on one with my feet off the ground it helps heaps. You are right anyone who has a back injury all of a sudden stops slouching stooping and letting your shoulders roll forward :) :) Great to hear you are ok and doing better. I always cringe when I hear people having back issues.

MM

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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby roobab » Sun Sep 19, 2010 10:03 pm

Back is now a lot better, since I've been forced to improve posture and core strength, but today a 4 wheel driver tried to end my life by flashing past 4 inches on my right as I overtook a parked car 3 inches to my left, such is life. I live to ride, hope the sucker does tomorrow.

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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby foo on patrol » Mon Sep 20, 2010 5:16 am

That's good to hear! :)
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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby Robdog » Fri Oct 08, 2010 11:11 pm

Definitely can agree with the cadence thing - pushing too high a gear be it hill or flats (but mostly hills when my only other option was get off and walk) gives me a really bad stabbing pain right on the left hip bone at the back. Even after I regain a decent cadence it tends to get worse through the ride. Using the drops for more than a few minutes at a time can lead to back pain later on in the ride too, but I think that's a function of compromised position due to my gut getting in the way and making it a bit tight for my thighs at the top of the stroke
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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby Cinder » Sat Oct 09, 2010 9:24 am

toolonglegs wrote:I would say none of the above until you go to a doctor and find out what is wrong.If you have herniated a disc then you don't really want to be doing core strength workouts with out a specialist designing them for you.You are obviously in your 40's or 50's so may do permanent damage if you carry on.Can't see how losing a pile of fat has weakened your back thou!!!.
This advice is spot on!
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Cinder
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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby Cinder » Sat Oct 09, 2010 9:25 am

roobab wrote:Back is now a lot better, since I've been forced to improve posture and core strength, but today a 4 wheel driver tried to end my life by flashing past 4 inches on my right as I overtook a parked car 3 inches to my left, such is life. I live to ride, hope the sucker does tomorrow.
Fingers crossed they get what they deserve.

Good to hear the back is on the mend!
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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby sogood » Sat Oct 09, 2010 10:29 am

roobab wrote:A physio I know says it is due to loss of bulk from my guts.
I'd be interested to hear of a more evidence based explanation of this mechanism! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
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Re: My back is stuffed, what now?

Postby sogood » Sat Oct 09, 2010 10:31 am

Kalgrm wrote:I like mine because it's fast...)
Until you hit the first upslope. :mrgreen:
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