Mid back problems - any suggestions???
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 322
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From: Chicago
Do you think a BMW will change your riding position that much? I have the same problem the only thing that helps me is moving around to stretch and using cruise control so I can rotate my shoulder blades. Mine would get so stiff that I couldent turn my head without pain. Stopping more often to stretch also helps. I have tried a different bike (a wing) and I had the same problem. My 02 EG I changed the bars and seat, it helped a bit but didnt cure the problem.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 145
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From: Northern Oklahoma
Also look at your posture when you ride, or have some one look at you and tell you. If you are huntched over and compressing your rib cage and T-spine. Try and relax your arms and not hold on to the bars so tight and just loosen up. Also like all the other advise and being a Chiropractor also really appriciate the positives!!
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Also look at your posture when you ride, or have some one look at you and tell you. If you are huntched over and compressing your rib cage and T-spine. Try and relax your arms and not hold on to the bars so tight and just loosen up. Also like all the other advise and being a Chiropractor also really appriciate the positives!!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,356
Likes: 8
From: Roswell, NM
I have a bad back injury from life in the Army I'm always preaching massage therapy and chiropractic. Do them in combination and you will not believe the relief. Or, you can go to the gym and maybe strain it somemore from some half assed trainer that got his certificate online. by the way, my wife is a massage therapist, and I know what i speak of. Trust me on this.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 145
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From: Northern Oklahoma
Right on Gunner, for low back you could try a lower back support belt, but the best thing for the pain would be stabilizer stretches and exercises, work on your core muscles, make sure you stretch out your hamstrings. Pelvic tilt exercises and lumbar extension can work good. Also ab workouts. If you don't have a back rest get one and you could always modify a lumbar support pillow and strap it to your backrest to give you extra support. Hope any of this helps, oh and come see me I will give you the H-D Forum discount!!!!!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
I had a degenerative spinal desease when I was a kid which led to chronic back pain. I agree with others on this board that exercise will really help. I broke my collar bone and some ribs a couple of years ago and stopped exercising completely until recently. I was having pain in the same areas and in the same situations you are having. I started exercising again in December focusing on my core and have lost 25 lbs so far. My back and shoulder pain are gone. I can ride until I need to stop for gas now. I still need to lose another 25 lbs but it has really helped. Plus my bike will be quicker without any mods!
I have a C&C seat with a back rest.
I have a C&C seat with a back rest.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 261
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From:
Thanks to everyone for their input. A few responses:
1. I have a good chiropracter and yes, I believe in massage therapy
2. I have a range of exercises that I do, including weights, therapeutic bands, sit-ups, etc
I have a neck injury from 20 years ago. My chiro said that there is somne degeneration of the discs, but nothing too bad. In terms of riding posture, I've tried sitting upright, sitting in a relaxed position, leaning against a backrest - after a while, it's gets sore.
And yes, a BMW like an RT is better, because the weight is distributed across 3 points of contact: your feet, butt and hands, whereas a Harley puts all the weight on your butt. But a Beemer doesn't have the same fun factor...
I think I'll try the backrest with lumbar support pillow. I want to ride to Canada this summer and I want to be able to do 500 miles a day without falling out of the saddle!
I'll also try some of Doc's pelvic tilt exercises and lumbar extensions.
1. I have a good chiropracter and yes, I believe in massage therapy
2. I have a range of exercises that I do, including weights, therapeutic bands, sit-ups, etc
I have a neck injury from 20 years ago. My chiro said that there is somne degeneration of the discs, but nothing too bad. In terms of riding posture, I've tried sitting upright, sitting in a relaxed position, leaning against a backrest - after a while, it's gets sore.
And yes, a BMW like an RT is better, because the weight is distributed across 3 points of contact: your feet, butt and hands, whereas a Harley puts all the weight on your butt. But a Beemer doesn't have the same fun factor...
I think I'll try the backrest with lumbar support pillow. I want to ride to Canada this summer and I want to be able to do 500 miles a day without falling out of the saddle!
I'll also try some of Doc's pelvic tilt exercises and lumbar extensions.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Northern Oklahoma
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Stillwater, MN
