Riding with a bad back

[jayonabike]

I've had lower back pain for the last 2 weeks now, it was really bad the first week, i was off work spent most of the week laying on the floor! This week its a lot better, i've been back at work all week and want to go out on the bike this weekend.

My back still hurts a bit, more of a dull ache and i can move about, twist, bend forward o.k although i still have a few pains in my right leg which makes me think i have a touch of sciatica aswell.

Should i leave the bike well alone till i'm 100% better or do think a gentle flat 5 mile ride will do it some good?

jay

 

[Arch]

Snap! I'm suffering at the moment, I'm 4 months into a physical lifting job, and according to my workmates, everyone gets a bad back about this stage. Part of the job involves riding a load carrying trike, and one workmate suggested laying off that for a while - so I have, and two days this week I walked in, instead of cycling (on my bike). Doesn't seem to have made much difference. My instinct is that a gentle ride ought not to be a problem, as it keeps you moving - I just don't push too hard, and my average speed is under 10 mph. But I may be wrong. The trouble with backs is, everything you do involves them, and as a species we're on the edge of being badly designed to start with.

I also have pains in my legs, especially if I sit still for any length of time.

 

[Bill Gates]

You can rest or you can exercise. Rest will make your back better, but moderate exercise will also make your back better only more quickly.

I'm in the "ride your bike" camp.

 

[chillyuk]

I have had bad back for years, including spinal surgery.

Exercise is the best thing for it after the first couple of days rest. Go for it, take it steady and don't worry. It's only pain.

 

[Kestevan]

Some days the only times my back doesn't ache is when I'm on the bike.

Go ride. If it hurts stop.

 

[jayonabike]

Thanks...
I thought it would be o.k to go for a ride but better to ask in here first. I think a nice ride into St.Albans and back( about 7 miles) tomorrow and maybe venture out a bit further sunday, make the most of the unusually nice weather we're having at the mo.

 

[Dayvo]

Make sure your back is nice and warm and kept well wrapped up.

When I had a bad back I always rode with something like this:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produ...4|cat_14419293|Athletic+supports|14419302.htm

 

[dan_bo]

I get a bad back when my hams are tight. Are you stretching enough?

 

[Arch]

I have had bad back for years, including spinal surgery.

Exercise is the best thing for it after the first couple of days rest. Go for it, take it steady and don't worry. It's only pain.

That's encouraging. I tend to think it's better to move about, but I do worry that I might be aggravating something if I try and ignore the pain.

My pain is from lifting - I suspect I started out lifting badly, and when my back began to hurt, tried to do it better, bending my knees more, and so the pain has moved down a bit, into the tops of my legs. The thing I find when riding the upright is that it's 'ok' riding along, but then when I need to stop, put a foot down and straighten up, like at a junction, it twinges.

I'm going to see how I get on on the recumbent this weekend - at least on that I don't have the straightening-up bit.

 

[Debian]

Pain is your indicator in my unscientific mind.

Go ride - if the pain stays the same or you feel less pain then it's OK to carry on. If it gets worse then don't ride, rest instead.

Always worked for me but it's just my opinion.

 

[soulful dog]

When my back is sore I tend to find that as long as I keep away from hills, going out on my bike definitely helps.

Gentle exercise is good for back pain, but you are better trying to avoid putting strain on it, i.e. possibly use a lower gear than you would normally for hills, and avoid any sharp movements - and make sure you miss any potholes!

I get twinges when I stop too, but just try to do it more slowly than normal.

 

[chillyuk]

One other thing is can you turn round comfortably to check behind you. That's a problem I have.

 

[Garz]

Not disagreeing with any of the advice so far.

However if you have a 'bad back' then rest till its not bad, if you just have a 'sore back' then pay attention but you should be able to ride sensibly without doing any further damage.