Bad back again!

[Rustybucket]

I'm off the bike again from a bad back! This is the 3rd time it's happened in around 5 years. I am currently seeing a chiropractor who says it's due to having a desk based office job where I don't move around. I used to go to the gym in the mornings to do back and leg exercises to try and avoid back pain. I was off the bike for around 6 months last time.

Has anyone else suffered from back pain? How did you overcome it? Driving me crazy not being able to ride the bike.

I'm only 37 so not too old!

Thanks for any help and advice.

 

[Joffey]

I had a bad back for 6 weeks earlier this year. I went to my doctor and she gave be Naproxen. I took it and it eased the pain enabling me to get back to normal. I started riding again and it has cleared up completely.

 

[numbnuts]

[QUOTE 4786407, member: 9609"]Backs are incredibly complex with probably no two being the same, that's why what works well for one person is a waste of time for someone else.
If i were you I would push my doctor for an MRI scan so as to get some idea what is going on.[/QUOTE]
What he said ^^

 

[tobykenobi]

[QUOTE 4786407, member: 9609"]Backs are incredibly complex with probably no two being the same, that's why what works well for one person is a waste of time for someone else.[/QUOTE]

Thirded.

I've had back problems. Went to a physio who gave me some stretches to do that help a bit. Walking also helps. Maybe see a physio; you can get referred by your GP. (I have opinions on chiropractors but won't get into that here. He's probably right that a desk job doesn't help. When I had a job that involved a lot more moving about I got fewer problems.)

At one stage I could cycle when on the bike but found it very difficult to mount and dismount. I found short sessions on an exercise bike also helped.

 

[vickster]

Has your employer done a full workplace assessment, including the chair etc provided to you? Talk to HR

And as above, given you have a recurring issue, see your GP about specialist referral.

Did the morning gym sessions help previously? If so, perhaps time to restart under a physio's guidance preferably

I had back surgery when I was 20, so am mindful of what mine is doing. I do get spasms from time to time if I sit or lie badly, diazepam to ease the spasm and rest seem to help (I'm taking an anti inflammatory already for other multiple ails)

 

[windyrider]

Agree with the comments above, what works for one does not necessarily work another. My back issues both on the bike and off improved dramatically when I took time to strengthen my core. Example here https://www.trxtraining.com/train/trx-workout-for-cycling and I regularly use a wobbleboard http://www.physioroom.com/catalog/Wobble_Boards/3183.html examples. Basic plank exercises have also worked well using pressup handles with mya feet placed on an large gym ball. ​

 

[Jody]

My back first went when I was 18. The pain was unreal and I was relayed home laid in the back of mates van with someone else driving my car. I have now had back problems for the last 20 years. It varies between aches and pains, shooting pains down my leg/backside to full blown gone and can't move, lay, sit etc. Most times it clears itself between 1 and 4 weeks after the initial problem. The pain down my legs at its worse lasted for 9 months and was resolved with a short course of amitriptyline which is an anti depressant but helps subdue nerve problems.

As @User9609 says they are a complicated bit of kit I feel your pain. Back problems are not a nice thing and people who have never had it don't really understand how debilitating it feels.

 

[Rustybucket]

Thanks for all your comments and help!


Chiropractor said my back isn't too bad and did a couple more adjustments and pressure points this morning. Seeing her again on Friday, I'm spending £80 a week at the moment so will have to reduce the appointments soon as I'll run out of money. Booked in to see Sports Physio next Friday, will be interested to see what she says! I guess I just need to let it heel again, so frustrating thou as thought I was doing all the right exercises and stretches to prevent this happening again!

 

[Rustybucket]

[QUOTE 4786407, member: 9609"]Backs are incredibly complex with probably no two being the same, that's why what works well for one person is a waste of time for someone else.

For a while cycling was the only thing I could do that didn't aggravate my back, in fact that is why I took up cycling. But for me the big help came from Pilates, but not from a Pilates class, the generic type exercises that they do in classes didn't do me any harm but I don't think they helped much either - my big break through was one on one sessions with a Pilates teacher who was able to work out where my weaknesses where and devise exercises to address those problems.

If i were you I would push my doctor for an MRI scan so as to get some idea what is going on.[/QUOTE]

Thanks - it took me ages (about 4 months, I think) to get referred to see a Physio on the NHS. I'll book in to see the doctor, but not that optimistic they will push it further

 

[si_c]

Thanks for all your comments and help!


Chiropractor said my back isn't too bad and did a couple more adjustments and pressure points this morning. Seeing her again on Friday, I'm spending £80 a week at the moment so will have to reduce the appointments soon as I'll run out of money. Booked in to see Sports Physio next Friday, will be interested to see what she says! I guess I just need to let it heel again, so frustrating thou as thought I was doing all the right exercises and stretches to prevent this happening again!

Save your money and see a physiotherapist. Chiropractic is unscientific nonsense.

 

[lutonloony]

Thanks - it took me ages (about 4 months, I think) to get referred to see a Physio on the NHS. I'll book in to see the doctor, but not that optimistic they will push it further

Very fortunate down here, we can self refer to physio. However because of my arthritis I have to see the arthritis physio, as they are never sure if it is my arthritis or just "normal" back probs. Have to say that I've been very impressed with their service

 

[Drago]

The only 'back' problem I ever suffered was sciatica. A few visits to a good physio 99.8% cured it, and other than the odd slight twinge its good as gold now.

On that occasion it was a physio through work. Last time I needed an NHS physio I was fortunate in that being a registered carer I was a priority case, so didn't wait long, but a good one is worth paying to see.

 

[Rustybucket]

Update on my back, so it's slowly getting better. I rode into work yesterday and it doesn't feel too bad this morning. Saw the sports Physio this morning, she said I have a very tight upper back - nothing too serious. Got some more stretching to do. Chiropractor also says it's feeling better. Need to work on my posture as well as how it sit at work! I hate having a desk job, keeps ruining my back!

 

[vickster]

Ask your physio or chiro for advice on desk chairs given your back issues, and then talk to HR/OH

Get yourself a foam roller and ask the physio for back exercises. A tennis ball rolled against a wall is good for tight shoulders and necks, my shoulder physio is a great proponent, hurts like hell though

 

[Jody]

Get yourself a foam roller and ask the physio for back exercises.

I thought foam rollers and backs were a no no or be extremely careful due to possibility of hyper extension.