Spondylolisthesis

[AKO]

I just have to vent here people. During my ride on Monday, I got out of the saddle for a big effort and felt a sudden searing pain in my lower back. I knew instantly that it was my Spondylolisthesis flaring back up. I was first diagnosed with it at 21 and didn't give me grief again till I was about 30. When first diagnosed I was told to build my core and lower back muscles (which I ignored). Between leaving school at 18 and taking up cycling at 36 (early last year) I have done virtually zero exercise. About 2 months ago I started building my core and lower back muscles in an attempt to help my cycling. I can honestly say that I am healthier and fitter today than I have been since reaching adulthood so you can understand my frustration. I gave blood today and was told my BP was perfect. It has never been perfect. I went to the chiro yesterday afternoon and was told no exercise for at least a week but more likely two . Then to rub salt into the wounds, I passed two night time bunch rides and about 10 commuters on my way home from the chiro. I'm currently sitting at home feeling extremely depressed. I can't ride, I can't potter. It's school holidays and I can't play with the kids. Ice on for twenty, off for twenty. Repeat until bed time. Thanks for letting me vent. I feel better already.

[Bob_TAS]

Hope it gets better soon AKO, it's never fun to be told not to ride

I've had some intermittent lower back matters relating to riding, usually muscular issues between the ribs along the spine.

Have you seen a physiotherapist? Mine gave me some simple exercises that can be done on a flat surface which made a huge difference.

Not sure if it will help, but really good for core strengthening around the mid-lower back.

[BastardSheep]

I'd definitely recommend visiting a physio rather than relying on the word of a chiroquacktor.

[AKO]

I'd definitely recommend visiting a physio rather than relying on the word of a chiroquacktor.

While I have no idea why you treat chiropractors with such scepticism, mine has been a god send. I also suffered with severe pain between the shoulder blades for 10 years or more. A few years back I was getting a massage to ease the pain and she suggested I see a chiro. I went in and just said I was suffering back pain (I didn't mention where) and he zeroed in on the cause in no time. Cracked it and I walked out of his room bolt upright for the first time in weeks. But a physio is on the cards once I return to work. I'm quite lucky where I work. We have a few on site health specialists that are supplied by the company, one of them being a physio every Wednesday.

[jemima]

I feel for you.

Diagnosed with the same at 17; now 44.

Last occurred a year back when I shouldn't have been bending over lifting.
Couldn't get off the grass for half-an-hour. Luckily a mate supported me while I shuffled inside.
Took the usual 2 week period to fully recover.

Regular gentle cycling helps me a lot with strengthening around the problem area.

[Apple]

I'd definitely recommend visiting a physio rather than relying on the word of a chiroquacktor.

I feel the same.

[winstonw]

Foundation chiro education in Australia has been pretty good for the last 20 years. Generally, they get the same basic science ed as physios, which is equivalent to a 3 year BSc at a reputable university. The variance starts with some of the chiro business model stuff and overstated belief in the health benefits of spinal alignment, relative to autonomic nervous system function. In saying that, I cannot believe some more recently trained chiros can buy into older chiro philosophy, after they've had such a solid scientific grounding.

Anyway, there's good and compromised physios and chiros. Unfortunately, the decisive factor is often time and dollars. Many of both practitioners could no doubt give much better treatment if they didn't have to cover overheads, pay down an inflated mortgage, etc. Further, I am a physio and have heard a lot of very good stuff about a chiro who recently set up in Brisbane's western suburbs. I've made an appt for treatment this Tuesday with him to see how he works. At the top end of town, good physios, chiros, and osteos mingle harmoniously, and do the same "manual therapy" courses. In my practise, there's three physios with a combined 96 years of clinical experience. You'd be surprised how much we disagree on.

Re spondylolisthesis, it's even more important to develop a strong core, esp transversus abdominis, maintain good posture, keep the facet joints limber, avoid poor lifting technique, and maintain low bodyfat.....

[AKO]

Went for my first ride today since I threw my back out and it was goooood. Man I loved getting back out there. It was only a quick 25k ride but it felt so good to get out on the bike again. I was expecting to struggle but maintained a fairly decent pace. Maybe the 5 kilos I lost over the last 2 weeks has helped although I suspect most of the weight loss is due to loss of muscle mass. Time will tell.

[foo on patrol]

Good to hear mate.

Foo