oh no...my aching back..
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,318
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From:
RE: oh no...my aching back..
Dang, Rose, I didn't realize there was so many of us with bad backs still riding. I've had problems for 30 yrs, diagnosed with spinal stenosis, one disc has slight bulge. I've had about 6-8 spinal epidural shots with little to no success, may be a candidate for fusion surgery, but don't really want it. All the advice you've gotten, IMHO, is good. I use one of those back supporters like "Home Depot",etc..., it helps on even short rides, then I go home take a couple of pain meds, put my feet up,heat-pad on lwr back,..I'm usually good to go next day. Exercise,and walking I think are the two best things we can do to help strenghten lwr back muscles,....now if I can just get off my lazy butt, and do 'em....good luck!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
RE: oh no...my aching back..
I see that you have already been given some good advice, so I will just tell ya about what I did. I hurt my lower back at work little over a month ago. When I went to the chiropractor and he pretty much got things back into place, I thought ahead and asked him if he had a back support that I could get. I figured since the insurance company was paying for it, why not. Like Bill said, a lot of the older Harley riders used a kidney belt for extra support and it really helps when I ride. It keeps me from slouching as I ride. Also, you have a good point about all the work that you have just got done doing, that could be a good reason why your back is hurting right now. Good luck on getting it fixed
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,300
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From: Central Virginia
RE: oh no...my aching back..
I agree with most of the others. I think all the work you cramed in is the culprit that caused the pain in your already stressed lower back.
I've delt with back problems for years, and was worried whether or not I could even ride a motorcycle again because of it. I have a softail. I changed a few things, like the bars (especially the bars) to give me a little closer reach. Although my back never really bothers me riding, I am now in a more comfortable position.
Those of us who suffer with chronic lower back problems simply have to learn to "read" our backs and often change the way we do things so as not to aggrevate our backs any further. (I can only imagine how my back would feel after doing concrete work!)
I've delt with back problems for years, and was worried whether or not I could even ride a motorcycle again because of it. I have a softail. I changed a few things, like the bars (especially the bars) to give me a little closer reach. Although my back never really bothers me riding, I am now in a more comfortable position.
Those of us who suffer with chronic lower back problems simply have to learn to "read" our backs and often change the way we do things so as not to aggrevate our backs any further. (I can only imagine how my back would feel after doing concrete work!)
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
RE: oh no...my aching back..
Bluerose,
I tweaked my lower back a few months ago lifting weights.
If your problem is muscle spasm/strain/exertion (i.e. not a skeletal problem), I have one word for you: Cyclobenzaprine
That muscle relaxer is worth it's itty-bitty weight in gold.....better living through chemistry.
Get well soon.
Jim.
[IMG]local://upfiles/6723/4B07BDB58A0246F6B31B03A61B9D9F7C.jpg[/IMG]
I tweaked my lower back a few months ago lifting weights.
If your problem is muscle spasm/strain/exertion (i.e. not a skeletal problem), I have one word for you: Cyclobenzaprine
That muscle relaxer is worth it's itty-bitty weight in gold.....better living through chemistry.
Get well soon.
Jim.
[IMG]local://upfiles/6723/4B07BDB58A0246F6B31B03A61B9D9F7C.jpg[/IMG]
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,256
Likes: 5
From: Concord, CA
RE: oh no...my aching back..
I have a kidney belt (kind of a built in backrest) in my jacket. It helps.
Highway pegs help as well so you can change position.
Didn't you say you had ridden to work as well?
If you aren't used to riding in traffic, you can tense up and even hold on pretty tight. I know whenever I find myself doing this, my back is killing me.
Also, didn't you just add that springer bar and backrest? Maybe its putting pressure in the wrong places.
Highway pegs help as well so you can change position.
Didn't you say you had ridden to work as well?
If you aren't used to riding in traffic, you can tense up and even hold on pretty tight. I know whenever I find myself doing this, my back is killing me.
Also, didn't you just add that springer bar and backrest? Maybe its putting pressure in the wrong places.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 626
Likes: 2
From: Illinois
RE: oh no...my aching back..
Sorry to hear about your back Bluerose. Just had to have surgery on mine. Hope you get to feeling better.
Take care,
Baldman
P.S. I had alot of people telling me to take Glucosamine and lots of it. They swear by it, but it isn't cheap.
Take care,
Baldman
P.S. I had alot of people telling me to take Glucosamine and lots of it. They swear by it, but it isn't cheap.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,553
Likes: 0
From: South Okanagan, BC
RE: oh no...my aching back..
Sorry you are in pain Bluerose.. I wish you well soon! Some excellent advice given... have you considered different handlebars? With my back, I smashed the right sacrum, & both sides of the pelvis, & threw in a fractured hip for good measure, making everything difficult! I didn't realize the way I was sitting while reaching for the stock bars, (because my one elbow was part of the bone-breaking-party) was causing my back to go nuts riding...I put Fatboy bars on the Deluxe last week, & the difference is amazing! Haven't had to pk up before, or during the rides since, & just a few times after! I am sitting way straighter, & not twisting to alleviate the ache...
Whatever works for you, I hope it does so soon!!
Whatever works for you, I hope it does so soon!!
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 644
Likes: 1
From:
RE: oh no...my aching back..
I added the sundowner seat to my Deluxe for that same reason. Sore lower back issues. The Sundowner has much more lower back support built into the seat. I will let you know how it works out. I do wear a adjustable Kidney type belt that I bought from JP Cycles and use it for longer trips.
I do think the folks who suggest exercise are right on. Its what we all hate to do and its one of the things that we need to do the most to protect ourselves when sitting in the saddle for many hours.
Lee
I do think the folks who suggest exercise are right on. Its what we all hate to do and its one of the things that we need to do the most to protect ourselves when sitting in the saddle for many hours.
Lee
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: oh no...my aching back..
Back doing much better today, not perfect but better....guess it just wanted a day or so off.
It is amazing how many of us have bad backs...you know your orthopedist would be having a fit that you are riding a motorcycle! Mine did (Haven't seen one since they said there was nothing they can do).
Saw on my credit card bill that Chicago Harley has charged for my low backrest so hopefully it will be arriving soon. (Wonder if they would pay me to fix their very bad online ordering system???) Next item will be highway pegs...just can't seem to decide on them.
Thanks for the support folks
Edit: Just spelling errors...gosh I wish I could spell!!
It is amazing how many of us have bad backs...you know your orthopedist would be having a fit that you are riding a motorcycle! Mine did
(Haven't seen one since they said there was nothing they can do).Saw on my credit card bill that Chicago Harley has charged for my low backrest so hopefully it will be arriving soon. (Wonder if they would pay me to fix their very bad online ordering system???) Next item will be highway pegs...just can't seem to decide on them.
Thanks for the support folks
Edit: Just spelling errors...gosh I wish I could spell!!