softail?
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Houston area
softail?
I recently sufferedcompression fractures of2 vertebrae while riding my Deuce..dark, long pothole...anyway, has anyone knowledge of a good, comfortable brace to wear while riding?A pad/plate or ? in lumbar region. I have heard they are often used on the ironbutt rides. I know this isn't too macho a topic for the softail crowd..but looking for ideas/knowledge/first hand experience John
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[IMG]local://upfiles/20872/C01B11760BB34447B0E1C3AD867DFDC9.jpg[/IMG]
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,035
Likes: 5
From: near Buffalo, NY
RE: softail?
I'm thinking that instead ofa belt, now may be a good time to invest in an air ride suspension. Expensive, but it may be exactly what the Dr. ordered, no pun intended.
I never rode on one, but it's GOT to be better than Softail shocks.
I never rode on one, but it's GOT to be better than Softail shocks.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 735
Likes: 5
From: Bluffton,SC
RE: softail?
feel for you I've got four in my back. are your's in the lower back? if so I found a belt really helps alot. But I was in real pain for about 6 months after nothing really helped during that time. Hope you get back on it.
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Rochester, NY
RE: softail?
ORIGINAL: flibuoy
I know this isn't too macho a topic for the softail crowd..but looking for ideas/knowledge/first hand experience John
I know this isn't too macho a topic for the softail crowd..but looking for ideas/knowledge/first hand experience John
I'm looking for better bars for an old smashed elbow, you get what you need to stay in the seat.
As for what to do about it, I think that along with a little seat modification(memory foam and gel pad maybe?) George C. may have the best answer in the air ride system.
Unfortunatly like he said, it ain't gonna be thecheap way out.
Good luck we all hope you get it together in time for the summer riding season.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,184
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From: Oregon
RE: softail?
Am thinking a weightlifting belt to them icepack/heat pack things.. anything that might be comfy to you. Check the local sporting good stores for something.
A deep dish seat with gel/memory foam might be a good call on top of the lumbar support belt. (one with a higher back) or heck even a full backrest for the driver (likea sissy bar just not for the passenger but for you!!)
A deep dish seat with gel/memory foam might be a good call on top of the lumbar support belt. (one with a higher back) or heck even a full backrest for the driver (likea sissy bar just not for the passenger but for you!!)
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Houston area
RE: softail?
thanks for replies and "sympathy/empathy" but I hope someone who uses one they found helpful will step up and post the experience....I suspect there are lots more of us out there. Yes, my fractures are repeats in L1-L2, which are already fused due to ancient injury, so lower (lumbar) back is the issue. I just put my Corbin Gunfighter back on because it does have more a bit more rise than Deuce seat. I have been able to ride both mine and my wife's 04 Sportster in my full upper body brace over last couple weeks a little ...refuse to wait until I am out of brace and back in shape...which might be never for back in shape part. I am 62 and I gotta get this stuff done while I am still young. From what I have been able to find: elastic belts tend to lose support and would seem to be hot...I am in Texas....something with a solid contoured shape in lumbar areaseems best with velcro belts/fasteners, I would prefer to wear under shirt/maybe under trousers too if possible but outside both is OK too as my backside fades into the distance pretty quickly and can't see who I am from back anyway. The air ride is a serious thought ...I am about to mount up and head to Osborne's (local indy) to plunk down for Progressive shocks. My Deuce is lowered front and rear about 1 1/2" and that firmed up ride with stock shocks a bit much and I did't exactly float on a cloud even before Gunfighter leather covered wooden seat. Air shocks have 2 downsides...price and complexity...but hopefully won't be needed. Rode with them on borrowed RK for 3 days and was way impressed.Hope someone can give me some guidance...gotta be some doctors on this forum and people who have solved their back issues. Be assured I will try stuff and post a mini consumer digest report...but would like the options narrowed a bit first. John
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 776
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From:
RE: softail?
A buddy of mine has a duece. He installed progressive's air-tail system, complete withon-boardcompressor. I boughtthe 413's he removed. The 413's are far and away better riding. Of course, he's got the pump andcan slam his bike whenever, but even he admits the 413's ride better. If you don't believe me, call progressive. They'll tell you the same thing. I'm not trying to start a debate over progressive vs works, but either will give you a better ride than air.
Oh yea, I've heard progressive's new 422's are superior to the 413"s
Oh yea, I've heard progressive's new 422's are superior to the 413"s
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh, PA
RE: softail?
flibuoy--Sorry I didn't see this thread earlier. I'm a Chiropractor and see, treat and diagnose compression fractures quite frequently. How long ago did you fracture these vertebrae? What was the treatment following the injury? Rehab in the form of strengthening and stretching is crucial. Home exercise needs to become a part of your daily routine too bud.
Typically they will give you a removeable velcro brace with metal support rods shaped in the cotour of your back to wear, did you get one of these? Unless you have nerve damage there relaly is no other treatment other than wait and let it heal. Once healed most of the people I've seen continue to have pain in the area. T12, L1, L2 are very common places for a compression fracture due to the fact that the outward curve in your middle back is transitioning into the inward curve of your low back at those vertebral levels.
As far as riding goes I hate to say it but it may be a trial and error process. Without a doubt though if you can afford to do a quality air ride suspension and shocks it would help. I would also consider a back rest for your seat as already mentioned. Anything you can do to minimize any "shock" to your back is worthwhile. As far as supports go I would try one of the readily available velcro type lifting belts. A leather weightlifting belt is no good. You need one that has enough heigth in it to reach the L1-L2 area. Also when riding pay extra attention to your riding posture. Sit straight up as much as possible, don't slouch. Shift your weight on your bike as much as possible, maybe some highway pegs.
Finally if you know you are going on a long haul take some ibuprofin before the trip and take a bottle with you and take it again 2 to 3 times while on that trip.
Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
Mike
Typically they will give you a removeable velcro brace with metal support rods shaped in the cotour of your back to wear, did you get one of these? Unless you have nerve damage there relaly is no other treatment other than wait and let it heal. Once healed most of the people I've seen continue to have pain in the area. T12, L1, L2 are very common places for a compression fracture due to the fact that the outward curve in your middle back is transitioning into the inward curve of your low back at those vertebral levels.
As far as riding goes I hate to say it but it may be a trial and error process. Without a doubt though if you can afford to do a quality air ride suspension and shocks it would help. I would also consider a back rest for your seat as already mentioned. Anything you can do to minimize any "shock" to your back is worthwhile. As far as supports go I would try one of the readily available velcro type lifting belts. A leather weightlifting belt is no good. You need one that has enough heigth in it to reach the L1-L2 area. Also when riding pay extra attention to your riding posture. Sit straight up as much as possible, don't slouch. Shift your weight on your bike as much as possible, maybe some highway pegs.
Finally if you know you are going on a long haul take some ibuprofin before the trip and take a bottle with you and take it again 2 to 3 times while on that trip.
Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
Mike
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Thread Starter
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,702
Likes: 38
From: Houston area
RE: softail?
I did not realize they were fractured at first, chiropractor immediately saw the old healed fractures and proceeded with traction, acupunture, electric stimulus and some manipulation. After 3 weeks it was at least asbad as after 3 days and the sessions...especially traction, just lit it up. MRI/neurosurgeon put me in in full front/rear top to bottom molded hard plastic brace. The velcro belt you describe sounds right for a possible replacement at the end of this month. Thanks for exercise etc rehab/prevention followups and home exerciseadvice... already have it scheduled....I am determined to minimize probability of reinjuring. Losing some of the weight is already in progress despite the limited activity....gonna miss the pot belly...just looks right on Harley. John
Thread Starter
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,702
Likes: 38
From: Houston area
RE: softail?
Ok then...Rickb is only person using a back brace/belt?Guesss everyone on here is 18 or so and works out regularly! Anybody using Gunfighter with backrest? John