Cross Country & Low Back Issues
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 80
From: Newburyport, MA
Cross Country & Low Back Issues
I've had this trip planned/mapped out for months. Bike is being picked up for shipment in a little over 2 weeks. I'm flying out to San Francisco 6/6 and heading east that day. Problem: a snow blowing incident messed up my lower back this past winter. Noticed it for only 2-3 days after the incident, then started to notice it more since starting to ride again this season(about 4 weeks ago). At times, the pain/stiffness is significant, but most of the time, it's ok(mild discomfort). I stretch, exercise and take care of myself for the most part. This is my 3rd cross country trip and I have never experienced any significant muscle aches/pains. This has me pretty bummed out at this time. I have a doctors appointment on Wednesday and we'll see what he says/does. I'm guessing an X-ray and PT. Anyone have experience with riding with low back pain? I did see another thread related to this subject, but would love to hear anyone elses experience. Thanks.
Dave
Dave
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 8,196
Likes: 2,432
From: San Francisco
I'd be interested in hearing what your doc tells you about the nature of your particular back injury. But I have a thought that might help. Perhaps you may have ever seen the kind of wide belt (6"-8") those who lift heavy objects (weight lifters, laborers) wear to protect their lower backs. I would ask the doc or PT whether they think wearing that kind of belt would help you. It gives support to the lower back. The other thing you probably already know, ibuprofen is your friend. It can cause stomach upset, but it is a very good anti inflammatory. It's also a pain killer but the part that may be most important to you is it's ability to reduce inflammation and let your body heal your back.
Sounds like an exiting ride coming up for you. Hope it all works out well.
Sounds like an exiting ride coming up for you. Hope it all works out well.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
Here's some ideas that I've used. At one time, I had a wide elastic band that I got from my chiropractor for wrapping around my lower back and it worked. Another thing I did was the bags that I had put on the back of my bike, I would lean back against them and that worked too. After getting tired of using those two ideas, because there were times that I didn't need to take any bags with me, I got a back rest for my seat and the problem was solved and now I can ride all day and no lower back issues.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 80
From: Newburyport, MA
I'd be interested in hearing what your doc tells you about the nature of your particular back injury. But I have a thought that might help. Perhaps you may have ever seen the kind of wide belt (6"-8") those who lift heavy objects (weight lifters, laborers) wear to protect their lower backs. I would ask the doc or PT whether they think wearing that kind of belt would help you. It gives support to the lower back. The other thing you probably already know, ibuprofen is your friend. It can cause stomach upset, but it is a very good anti inflammatory. It's also a pain killer but the part that may be most important to you is it's ability to reduce inflammation and let your body heal your back.
Sounds like an exiting ride coming up for you. Hope it all works out well.
Sounds like an exiting ride coming up for you. Hope it all works out well.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,524
Likes: 57,080
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
I've endured lower back problems for years and while it won't totally eliminate the problem a riders backrest significantly reduces the discomfort. This one is adjustable http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...01-5258309a--1
and there is a standard ( non-adjustable ) model also
and there is a standard ( non-adjustable ) model also
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 80
From: Newburyport, MA
Here's some ideas that I've used. At one time, I had a wide elastic band that I got from my chiropractor for wrapping around my lower back and it worked. Another thing I did was the bags that I had put on the back of my bike, I would lean back against them and that worked too. After getting tired of using those two ideas, because there were times that I didn't need to take any bags with me, I got a back rest for my seat and the problem was solved and now I can ride all day and no lower back issues.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,431
Likes: 38
From: Caldwell, Idaho
I also have lower back (sciatic) issues while riding and daily movement. I visit a rehab specialist (not considered a chiro) recommended by my physician. I use the Icy/Hot menthol patches across my lower back, take Aleve daily seems to help. I'm not able to ride without a driver's backrest. No heavy lifting and exercise in moderation. It's a sign of the times depending on your age!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Wilkes Co.- N.C.
I find, for me, that keeping my back and top of my legs at 90° to each other helps alot.....in other words, don't slouch.....picture sitting in a straight back chair with your feet flat on the floor......I use a backrest also......
Take a walk at rest stops.....
Capzasin is your friend...lol....
I also ride decreasing miles each day......for example, day one I might ride 600-800 miles......days 2, 500 miles......day 3, 350 or so and day 4 rest......
Take a walk at rest stops.....
Capzasin is your friend...lol....
I also ride decreasing miles each day......for example, day one I might ride 600-800 miles......days 2, 500 miles......day 3, 350 or so and day 4 rest......
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Hamilton,Ontario
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