CRF's Only Forums

Well here's one I never thought I'd haveta ask...
It took 35 years of hard physical work, but looks like my lumbar has made a call for pampering

I herniated L4,L5, and S1 this past winter. Was just curious if any other CRF's Only members have gone thru successful recovery and are back riding once again. I actually have a buddy who has 4 bad discs in his lumbar (also a lifetime of hard labor) and has recovered and been riding for years! So there's hope.

Determined NOT to opt for surgery, and neatest thing so far is my Doc rode his share of mx - so he understands the passion. I'm figuring at least 6 months off the bike. (gotta do the epidural shots soon) but not giving up hope by any means!

Just 1 more reason the medical community looks at our sport and asks, "why?"
-matt

One of my very good friends went through something very close to this. The number one concern is the doctor's immediately go to epidural shots.

Matt - Please be careful with this. There is nothing they are going to shoot into your back that will heal you. The epidural shots are only for pain. And accept them only when your pain level is high.

Consult some local sports chiropractors. Before my buddies whole fiasco, I was under the impression that Chiro's were quacks. Understanding what their purpose is was key for me. I even started seeing his Chiro doc for some neck pain I was having. A Chiropractor can tell you things a normal doctor can't. Seriously. Especially for back pain.

Don't let them doctors shoot you up. Go see a Chiro. It can't hurt? Alright maybe a little...

That's good advice - I'm actually considering that for long-term care. Finding the right one is key.

The shots are a temporary relief, for sure. I've read online cases where some people seem to get relief for a week, while others for a year or longer. So it looks like a roll of the dice at best, as far as length of relief. I'm curious how they'll work out, and eager to find interim relief in between the shots, albeit if their even needed if/when a good chiro can do his thing on a regular basis.

Will definitely look into the sports docs in the area. Thanks!

I have 2 herniated disks just at the shoulder line. I can't remember the numbers. I get a massage (deep tissue) and an adjustment as needed which usually works out to about once every 2-3 weeks. The massage works wonders to loosen the tight muscles and knots that form trying to keep the neck pain free. The adjustment works to decrease the pain. Another thing that is beneficial is acupuncture. Give that a try as well.
Joe

I had a herniated disc many years ago. Didn't have to go the epidural route, but I was laid out for a week and then lots of stretching. Nothing strenuous for a while and you have to stretch regularly as well as work in some weights to strengthen the muscles. A good Sports Dr should be able to get you on a program to recovery.

MW, I know someone who recovered from herniated discs and is riding now. And not just putting around either. In his case it took about 6 months before he could ride hard. He saw a chiropractor and may have done some PT. I don't think he'd say he's 100%, but he'd say he's pretty close to that.

And if you need a chiropractor, I've been to an excellent Chiro in the Wall area and there is also an excellent Doc in NYC if you feel you were not getting better and wanted to make that trip. Both are excellent. The doc in NY is also an acupuncture specialist, though I have not used him for that. Just chiro work.

Hang in there. In addition to the docs, it seems like rest and time also helps.

And 124's advice is right on. Be careful about the shots. Also, as he said, chiropractors have a purpose. If used for appropriate issues, they will be able to help you. I had terrible neck pain and suffered for almost a year. A chiropractor fixed my issue in 4 weeks and I've been fine since.