Hey folks

I have read and re-read many threads about choice of bars, seats and even rear suspension, and I am keen to find out what other people have done and if they have been successful.

First, the problem: I have an 08 Street Glide, that was basically stock. I am about 6' tall and weigh 200lbs. When I used to ride long distances (say, 100+ miles) I would get tension in my shoulder blades which would lead to muscle knots which led to pressure on my T5 disc. Sometimes the disc pressure would pinch the nerve endings, and cause serious pain to my abdomen.

I changed the bars to Khrome Werks Sweepers +2, which feels like a more "natural" riding position, but now what seems to happen is that I load up my LOWER back instead of MID back. I have also tried the Sundowner seat, and while that is more comfortable for my butt, it doesn't seem to make much difference to my back. I also installed highway bars and tried various positions, but it seems to bear more weight through my back.

Finally, I tried a backrest, and this seemed to help at first, but then I think I was putting to much pressure on my lower back by leaning into it too much.

Some other suggestions I have had from friends:
1. Change the rear suspension to Progressive 412 or 440 - absorbs the road shocks better
2. Wear a kidney belt for extra support

I am seriously bummed 'cos nothing comes close to the Harley experience and I don't want to buy a BMW!!!

Can anyone share similar situations and how they fixed it.

 

I went with the Sweepers +2, 440s and a backrest roll when I ride solo. THe combo works good for me. Not sure if the 440s did anything for my back but the sweepers cured my upper back issues and the backrest helped the remainder.

 

have you considered physical therapy,and or exercise? Sounds stupid but honestly it is the only thing that keeps me from aching. The gym I go to has trainers that have pointed out specific excercises that have strengthed my "weak" areas and it has made a huge difference!

 

I wear a Velcro type back brace, $15 at Walgreen’s, concentrate on sitting tall in the saddle, and stop frequently, ever 50 miles or so, to stretch. Helps me a lot...

 

If you've got a gut and don't exercise.......that might be a part of your problem.

I've had back problems for twenty years. I go to the chriopracter (finally found a good one that I can afford!) when I need it but just doing the back exercises helps a lot.

By the way, most medical insurance will now cover 20 chriopracter visits a year, now. You have to call your provider and ask them. But find a good one first, cause you'll have to name the chropracter as your primary chiropracter (much like a primary care physcian).

 

Did you install the HD adjustable backrest?

Before you purchase shocks, check out this thread.

 

I would suggest maybe trying to wear a thoracic rib belt. You can get them at any drug store, they are fairly cheap, and the thoracic model will support up to your T5 vertebra area.
I have a similar problem and luckily, being a chiropractor myself, I can self-remediate to my problems, haha!
Good luck!
ps. Only wear it when you need to because if you wear it all the time, the sustained pressure on the rib cage can restrict lung movement and cause a pneumonia.

 

Not diagnosing your back condition online, you should find a good Chiropractor in your area. First order is to find out what is causing your back pain.

Good luck and hope you feel better.

 

I'm in the the same boat, but with lower back pains. I'm getting ready to hit the gym in hopes that this will solve my back problems. Good luck with your back.

 

On page 66 of the J & P book, there is a back support with body belt combo made by UFO. There are a few different models but I think they might be of some help (along with exercise of course). You could probably do a search on the IE to find better deals but it's a place to start.