Getting Back Into It (again)

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Dave7

Legendary Member
Location
Cheshire
The Old farts retired section has kindly put up with my 'bad back' complaints for some time but I am posting this as it will hopefully encourage others in a similar situation.
I put my back out October 20th, no idea why, it just decided to do one.
Then sciatica set in. The pain has now gone but its left me with a limp which is also improving daily.
I got a 10 miler in on Sunday.......first for over 4 months (my bum was sore after that :wacko:). Got another 10 miler in yesterday and another today.
To say I am pleased is an understatement but the main point is that at times I thought "what if I can never cycle again"? That may sadly be the situation for some but in general I hope this encourages fellow CCrs.
 

ColinJ

Puzzle game procrastinator!
Keep it up, Dave! :bravo:

I thought that I was finished too (due to illness in 2012) but managed to make a decent comeback. I now probably only have about 75% of the effective lung capacity compared to what I used to have and I still have a dodgy left leg, but 75% is a hell of a lot better than nothing!
 

12boy

Guru
Location
Casper WY USA
I've had lower back pain and sciatica many times over the years but have hit on something that seems to help......daily stretches and daily planks. The planks are a relatively recent addition, but being able to strengthen the many little muscles in the torso without moving seems to protect my back from strain. I've had to shovel snow 5 or six times last month and was pleasantly surprised to learn the customary dull ache that usually accompanies that delightful activity was largely absent. It is a bit annoying to be unable to jump on a bike and do whatever for as long as I like without giving a thought to preparation or consequences, but as I've gotten older it seems the price of doing business, and like you I'd miss riding a bike terribly.
 
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Dave7

Dave7

Legendary Member
Location
Cheshire
Keep it up, Dave! :bravo:

I thought that I was finished too (due to illness in 2012) but managed to make a decent comeback. I now probably only have about 75% of the effective lung capacity compared to what I used to have and I still have a dodgy left leg, but 75% is a hell of a lot better than nothing!
A good attitude that. I like to think I am quite possitive but confess to feeling a bit down at times.
Sadly some people's make up doesn't allow them to react that way.
Nice to read of your recovery.
 
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Dave7

Dave7

Legendary Member
Location
Cheshire
I've had lower back pain and sciatica many times over the years but have hit on something that seems to help......daily stretches and daily planks. The planks are a relatively recent addition, but being able to strengthen the many little muscles in the torso without moving seems to protect my back from strain. I've had to shovel snow 5 or six times last month and was pleasantly surprised to learn the customary dull ache that usually accompanies that delightful activity was largely absent. It is a bit annoying to be unable to jump on a bike and do whatever for as long as I like without giving a thought to preparation or consequences, but as I've gotten older it seems the price of doing business, and like you I'd miss riding a bike terribly.
Never tried 'planks'. I have a history of back problems so do stretches etc every day which (normally) helps.
Were you taught those planks or youtube it? It sounds simple but I imagine that you have to get it right, particularly if you have an iffy back.
 

12boy

Guru
Location
Casper WY USA
At my second to last job a work friend got us all to try 2 minute front planks followed by a minute on each side during the afternoon break. I found this actually made me more alert than another cup of coffee. I returned to the planks a couple of months ago and have skipped them only 6 times since due to my ease in making excuses. There are many, many YouTube instructionals on this, and they all say it's better to do less time with proper form than slop through a longer plank. Pretty much now I feel investing at least 4 minutes daily on the afternoon plank routine mentioned in the first sentence is like brushing your teeth, just part of the daily routine.
 
I have had good results with a book called "Pain Free" by Peter Egoscue.
He focuses on keeping everything aligned and gives you a daily set of excercises to do each (20 minutes)
On line he provides a set of before cycling and after cycling excercises - I was up to 25 miles last week - well chuffed.
 
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Dave7

Dave7

Legendary Member
Location
Cheshire
I have had good results with a book called "Pain Free" by Peter Egoscue.
He focuses on keeping everything aligned and gives you a daily set of excercises to do each (20 minutes)
On line he provides a set of before cycling and after cycling excercises - I was up to 25 miles last week - well chuffed.
Thanks. I will google that.
 

twentysix by twentyfive

Clinging on tightly
Location
Over the Hill
Good work everyone :okay:
 

Ashimoto

Active Member
Ive only recently got back into it after a few years out. Disc trouble. Piled weight back on. I mentioned I used to cycle to my health proffessional who advised me to get back into it. 2 month later Im 2 stone lighter and doing regular 15/20 milers. I suppose the Butrans patches help but still, Im loving it. Keep up the good work.
 
I'm sure that the majority of chronic back problems are caused by simple lack of muscle tone.
The problem with pain is that it can be a downward spiral when excercising, talking from experience. I have had lower back pain in the past and sciatica, not cycling related I will add. When pain comes on and sometimes it is just that dull ache but if you ease off the pain eases off so you think Ok, I will just go steadier instead. This may continue for a long time. This has happened with me and leg muscles more recently. So to get off that vicious circle I started doing exercises and gradually the muscle strength is coming back. I will look up the plank exercises. We all take our bodies for granted and as we age it is easier to put things out and not so easy to put them right again. I don`t care what anybody says, the weather does not help us either. Feeling the warmth of the sun on our limbs when cycling makes it all worthwhile. Nice thread @Dave7 started.
 
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Dave7

Dave7

Legendary Member
Location
Cheshire
Ive only recently got back into it after a few years out. Disc trouble. Piled weight back on. I mentioned I used to cycle to my health proffessional who advised me to get back into it. 2 month later Im 2 stone lighter and doing regular 15/20 milers. I suppose the Butrans patches help but still, Im loving it. Keep up the good work.
Good to read that. Keep it going Ashimoto.
 

AuroraSaab

Veteran
I joined here last year, bought a used road bike on Sphock and a mtb from ebay and looked forward to getting into biking. I then tore my shoulder tendon and, between that and a new health issue, hardly road my bikes before the bad weather set in. The shoulder is still knackered but bearable and I'm hoping the arrival of Spring will encourage me.
 
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