Back Problem/Any insights

[mdeeds71]

I have just got back from the Sports Med/Ortho Surg after looking into my MRI. I have a mild herniation of the L5/S1 area of the back (portrusion to the rear and leaving less room for my nerve that is located there. Is there anyone out ther with experience with this and is anyone out there competetively riding after recovery or ??? with this situation.

On the bike I have no pain...only in transitional states of movement i.e. going to sit/going to get up from sitting...but no pain walking or sitting. I have only pain that is like being extremely tight in the muscles but full feeling all over.

I have been given instructions to walk or ride but not sprints or power moves on the bike yet...

I have no clue how long but this will be but I am on ant-iinflamatory steroids. I am under the impression that it could go away after doing the steroids.

Any insights greatly appreciated.

[gasman]

Mark-
Backpain is very, very common as you know. Abnormal MRIs are actually very common and there are a lot of people with abnormal MRIs without symptoms. Studies of patients that have surgery for back show that surgery is effective only 50% of the time. Studies of people that don't have surgery show that 50% of the time their back pain goes away.
If were you I would just wait take the steroids and see what happens. Keep riding but don't overdo it.The steroids will make you feel strong-don't give in and overdo it. The worst treatment for back pain is---bedrest.

Good luck.

[CalfeeFly]

I have compressions fractures of L1 and L3 and 5 is questionable. With luck I've reached a point where I can "survive" on epidurals only.

Warning number 1 is watch your appetite on steroids. I ate on 10 pounds before I realized it and I'm still working at losing it.

I reached a point where I just decided to admit that I wasn't going to walk, stand or run like I did on July 14 the day before my accident. It makes my back feel much better not trying to push it all the time. With my fractures standing and walking get very painful for me after about 10 or 15 minutes. Believe it or not this in an improvement.

I'm happy I can ride, sit and lay down and not be in pain. If the others come back fine but I decided to be happy with what I have now. Bones take 12 to 18 months to heal on average. Add in I'm an old guy who knows?

The back pain specialist (rides a C-50 so he understands) told me there is no telling what will work because it is different for everyone, it is possible nothing will work (not often for him fortunately) and most likely it will be a combination of treatments and factors. That is exactly what happened. For muscles and such I work with a top chiroprator and a massage person in his orffice.

If the person you are seeing is not a back pain specialist I'd try to find the best where you live. I was very fortunate that someone steered me to mine. Without him I'd not be where I am now.

P.S. I figure running is out for along time. I crushed all the toes but the "pinkie" on my left foot.

[CalfeeFly]

Brain injury in the same accident...very forgetful now.

It sounds like you have a specialist. They start with the minimum and work up. Mine started with steroids. We went on from there.

If you do pain killers I'd try to avoid morphine based ones like M Contin/Kadian or Oxy Contin. They work great if your pain is excruciating as mine was. However coming off morphine is not a treat. I'm there now. :crap:

[kgrooney]

Mark,

I have a similar problem and after several months of rehab I've found that stretching 10-15 minutes a night before bed works wonders, as well as strenghining the abs to help support the back.
Be very concious of keeping your back straight and bending at the knees when picking up stuff, especially if you have small kids.

Good Luck.

[Too Tall]

If your doc cleared you to do light exercise than Mat Pilates class will address exactly what you need bruther.
Transverse abdominus, Psoas, Illiacus, adductors (upper leg)
Posterior hip flexors...allofem'!

Also, get the correct sized plyoball to drape yourself over...reeeeeelax...read a book and uncompress that spine :)

Get yourself a couple bottles of e-caps tissue rejuvenator , great for soft tissue pain and use tons of ice directly on your back as needed.

PM me if you need details on the e-caps stuff.

Hope that helps.

[Retinadoc]

4 years ago I was suffering with the same issue. The spine is a joint like any other in the body. PT works by building up the supporting muscles, which in turn allows a joint to heal. The problem with the spine, is that the surrounding muscles are very difficult to isolate and strengthen.

The Medx back machine was designed to isolate the paraspinous muscles, it was invented my the creator of Nautilus. It worked very well for me and eliminated my pain in approximately 3 months.

Here are the publications http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article3198.html

I have no financial interests or any other bias. Steriods will improve the acute inflammation and but the muscles need to be strengthened or you will be back with the same problem. I would also suggest reading John Sarno's book "healing back pain".

The amount of unnecessary surgery done for back pain is staggering. It sounds like you are getting good medical advice from an ethical physician. PM me if you have any other questions.

[ti_boi]

This is interesting stuff. I remember another thread here on the subject and YOGA was brought up. My lower vertibrate is 'thinning' in a couple of spots. I was forced to give up Golf, and the torquing motion associated with that game. Though I still own a set of (graphite--lighter) clubs, as I am an eternal optimist. Tell me something--how much is the spare tires...affecting back pain ???-- since I carry one in the winter due to an affection for the meat group namely sausage.

Otherwise I find riding the Serotta, especially if it fits correctly to be a wonderful way to stretch out and be active without back pain.....careful of the seat adjustment...mine was too far back and I got some 'hip/back' pain for a while....the forum really helped!

This weekend the 'nice weather' tires go on!!! Springtime rules! :banana: