Riding with a Herniated Disk ?

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Jun 28, 2018 | 07:50 AM

#101

rtbuck89

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Joined: Feb 2008

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From: NE Ohio

Sorry to revive an old thread but I searched for herniated disks since I just found out I have a double herniated (ruptured) disk in my neck between C6 and C7. My chiro is pushing decompression therapy, which looks promising, but insurance wont cover it and it is $100 a visit for 40 visits. I am going to get a second opinion with a neurologist that was recommended to me. I see that most people rupture disks in their lower back. Is there anyone here who have herniated disks in their neck like myself? I manage to ride mostly pain free with a backrest, elastic back brace, and aleve, but still get shooting pains down my right arm.

Jun 28, 2018 | 08:02 AM

#102

flashracer

Tourer

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 362

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From: Tennessee

Have you had steroid injections or RFD done to help with the pain?

Jun 28, 2018 | 09:06 AM

#103

rtbuck89

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Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 784

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From: NE Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashracer

Have you had steroid injections or RFD done to help with the pain?

Nothing yet. Just found out about the herniated discs Tuesday. Its definitely not a debilitating pain, just a burning, annoying pain after I ride for a while. My wife and I made a successful 1200 mile ride a few weeks back, and it was fine with the combination of back rest, back brace, and aleve. This recent MRI obviously has me searching for options, but dont want to go overboard, like having surgery. What's RFD?

Jun 28, 2018 | 09:58 AM

#104

hd_rolling

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Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 4,133

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From: Grays Creek, NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtbuck89

I have the one in my neck and three in my lower back, adding the mini apes (10") helped with that a little.

Jun 28, 2018 | 10:17 AM

#105

Yamaharley

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 2,530

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From: Wayne County, PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtbuck89

i wish you the best. I have a cauda equina where i broke my spine years ago and when i overdo it i tend to go paralyzed. After 7 years of trying to make the dyna more ridable i bit the bullet of a lighter adventure bike with an incredible suspension(Tiger with wp suspension). You do whatever you have to. Harleys in general line your back right up with the shocks and hitting bumps causes your spine to jolt up and down. Also the worst thing on a motorcycle is the weight. By finding something lighter i can ride it like i want without my hip being messed up(left hip had obterator nerve cut to stop my sciatica... im 27 now and its still kinda hell but you learn to live with it. Again i wish you the best.

Jun 28, 2018 | 10:34 AM

#106

hog.ryder

Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 176

Likes: 14

From: Terrell, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtbuck89

I had two lower back disc herniations, L4-L5 & L5-L6, both repaired with a micro discectomy at two separate times, 5 years and 8 years respectively.

A little over a year ago I had a C6-C7 herniation that had to be fused . The surgeon released me to ride again after almost six months. Short rides to start with and progressively working in longer rides. Now no more fire or lightning in either arm.

Jun 29, 2018 | 01:36 PM

#107

ddm502001

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Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 1,616

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From: Mid West

Have severe Stenosis in lower back that was cleaned up but too arthritic to do much else so deal with that, C4/5 C5/6 and C6/7 were ruptured and degenerated to a point no pain meds would help, no steroid injections did any good and numbness/tingling in hands pain shooting thru neck/shoulders and upper back even during short rides got too much. Lower back as noted living with as well a severed right Sacrum Iliac joint that the insurance will NOT pay to fix, the neck work happened a year and some month back, best thing I ever did. Lived with it for twenty years until got bad enough could not get around it. Did the therapy, neck braces, steroids and other meds until all that failed to accomplish any more than empty my wallet then went to surgery. The inserts they installed to replace C5/6 and C6/7 are called MOBI-C and did my a great deal of good, just have to wait out until that point. No Pins/Plates/Screws, NOT Fused have full range of routine motion currently. C4/5 was/is not too bad yet, still get some burning down L forearm inline to thumb but no numbness and Insurance will not pay for the third one, Awaiting Medicare when that kicks in can get the last one done.

Jun 30, 2018 | 06:32 AM

#108

Hate Work

Road Warrior

Joined: May 2015

Posts: 1,718

Likes: 159

From: Maryland

Yes, therapy isn't cheap, but you'll do what you need to do. I had laminectomy and discectomy surgery 35 years ago. Was told to get an office job and drive a cushy car to help with my back. In my case, changing seating positions, exercising and staying active is what works for me. I might initially have back pain after working out or in the yard or doing overhead work, but in the long run, it's what works best for me. YMMV. Keep the faith and hope you find what works for you soon.