Back pain advice - close to tears

ai_1

DeVlaeminck wrote:

A private physio probably doesn't have access to stuff like MRI scans - the machines aren't cheap you'd be talking a few hundred quid upwards for a scan - what they could do is say you really need to get a GP referral in the NHS for a scan.

I've never seen a physio with an MRI and I doubt there is such a thing. However I was referred for scans by the physio on one occasion and was referred to a neurosurgeon on another. So for me the physio is a much better first point of contact than a GP. With a GP you know he/she is really just a middle man when it comes to musculo skeletal issues and the best you'll get is sent for scans or a referral to a physio or a consultant. A physio may be able to deal with the problem immediately and if not they can send you for scans or refer you to a consultant. Maybe that works differently in the UK and a GP or consultant has to be in the loop to order scans?

Shtukka

Oddly enough I think I found a solution. Changing to a more relaxed geometry helped (went back to my Ribble Sportive) however still experienced pain 20 miles into a ride following a short out of saddle sprint. I then tried riding without letting myself get out of the saddle and hey presto, smooth as silk and could push on with my legs without battling my back pain.

Good so far...

Mad_Malx

In marked contrast I get achy about 10 miles in, and get more comfortable after I've done a stiff out-of-the saddle climb.

ai_1

Yep, getting out of the saddle is the best remedy when my back gets sore but then we're surely not all afflicted with the same aches. I think mine is primarily due to tight hamstrings and a slightly weak core. When my hamstrings are in good shape I can usually ride for several hours without back pain.

nweststeyn

...but surely you want to be able to get out of the saddle, and therefore still need to find a solution to your problem?

drlodge

Zak3737 wrote:

I suffered a prolapsed disc last year, no idea how I did it, but boy it was painful and debilitating.

I went to a local 'Physio', who diagnosed it, and treated it for about 8 weeks, with very limited results, and it lingered for most of the summer.
Eventually, someone gave me the name of a local Ayurverdic Masseur (sp ?) - a local Thai woman, who not only immediately diagnosed the possible cause of the disc issue, (mis-aligned Hip), she put me through hell on the table with immediate improvements, and I continue to go see her now.

Could be something similar, maybe not, but one things for sure, many of your Standard Physio's arent as good or thorough ........
Good luck, hope you find the cause.

Sums up my experience too - had a prolapsed disc and while the immediate physio sessions helped reduce the cronic pain, there was little benefit after a few weeks in fact the exercises they gave me made things worse. I then found a good chiropractor (eastern chap) which was into the whole mind/body thing. He fixed me good and proper, really addressed the root cause of the problem rather than tinkering round the edges.

I've had no ill effects from this on my bike, in fact I have suffered nill bacl pain while cycling. I do sometimes get cronic pain where the OP says he gets his, but this is when putting in effort for a while like climbing a long hill. I think its referred to as "stitch". Once I ease off it goes away.

xcMuttley

Things that have helped my back pain on the bike over the years?

Stretching,
Acupuncture,
Rocktape,
Comier components.
Check out my blog for more about my journey from wheelchair to bike: http://memylifeandmybike.blogspot.co.uk/
I can certainly sympathize with the pain, i hope you find something that works for you! After all everyone is different!

mmacavity

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/knowl ... training-0

markhewitt1978

It's still a problem for me. However I have seen some improvement. Firstly a bike fit which helped but didn't solve the issue entirely. Secondly riding more often instead of once a week I've been getting out maybe three mornings a week for half an hour which seems to help although I do have to keep stopping for a stretch every so often when cycling for over an hour.

ddraver

I have similar issues but not as bad as you. I actually read in a bike fit book that lower back pain actually has very little to do with bike fit (though if you ve not had one I would recommend one for other issues).

When I do simple stretches a few times a week (planks, supermans and the "pornstar stretches") it really does stop. I need to be much more diligent about doing them. Both you and I are rather oversized for cyclists so I think that core strength is more important for us.