Riding with a Herniated Disk ?
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Pasco, WA
Me Too
I had a herniated disk L4 L5 since I was 28 years old. Over the years it caused my leg to burn and I lost some function. It eventually fragmented which in the long term has been a blessing. No surgery was not an option. Chiropractic (Palmer College Grad) adjustments and ice packs worked better than any other option.
I use a back rest and had a heavy leather weight lifting belt made. I wear the belt during times of instability, tenderness and burning. I still ride! Some day that may end but for now I still enjoy the experience.
I use a back rest and had a heavy leather weight lifting belt made. I wear the belt during times of instability, tenderness and burning. I still ride! Some day that may end but for now I still enjoy the experience.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
it'll all vary
L3/L4 for me.
which affects my left leg, steroid injections helped with temp relief, and about 5 months after the injury, surgery was performed.
instant relief of some pain.
but 2.5 years later I still have problems with my left leg, although it is strong...my nerve control is not good. some nagging back pain...I try to reduce my pill intake, but often take an ibu before work...I am 4 days pill free at present!
suggest that IF they have you "take it easy", that they also give you some exercises which you can do, so that your whole body doesn't loose muscle mass.
that will shorten recovery period
gonna go do my exercises now...
my riding has been greatly affected, I am still trying to get in the habit of stopping right foot down...my left leg has/can/will give out for no reason, no warning
mike
L3/L4 for me.
which affects my left leg, steroid injections helped with temp relief, and about 5 months after the injury, surgery was performed.
instant relief of some pain.
but 2.5 years later I still have problems with my left leg, although it is strong...my nerve control is not good. some nagging back pain...I try to reduce my pill intake, but often take an ibu before work...I am 4 days pill free at present!
suggest that IF they have you "take it easy", that they also give you some exercises which you can do, so that your whole body doesn't loose muscle mass.
that will shorten recovery period
gonna go do my exercises now...
my riding has been greatly affected, I am still trying to get in the habit of stopping right foot down...my left leg has/can/will give out for no reason, no warning
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jan 28, 2014 at 12:56 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,920
Likes: 77
From: dallas
"Keep on riding....... I think riding actually helps with keeping things "loose". Good luck"
I buy into the above. I have slight back ache when I overdo it working. Several times I have ridden my sgs for lets say 60 miles plus, and sure as ****, when I get home my back is loose and no tightness or pain.
I have also taken bumps on my bike (ie the 2 inch rear arm flex) that really popped and compressed my spine, but again no problem and no pain. I use a backrest which I am pretty sure helps a lot.
I buy into the above. I have slight back ache when I overdo it working. Several times I have ridden my sgs for lets say 60 miles plus, and sure as ****, when I get home my back is loose and no tightness or pain.
I have also taken bumps on my bike (ie the 2 inch rear arm flex) that really popped and compressed my spine, but again no problem and no pain. I use a backrest which I am pretty sure helps a lot.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 799
Likes: 8
From: central Il
I had L4 L5 fused the ones above and below that are dead as well, before the fusion in 06 I couldn't ride very long just short rides. after a few years and the most important key is setting up your bike where your back is in a upright posture that feels good, suspension, seat, bars, feet position then you will be good to go.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 601
Likes: 109
From: San Diego
I am glad someone posted this question as I also getting ready to ask this forum...I have also that nagging sciatica pain that starts on the left butt and it shoots down my left leg as the day progresses...I've been using this Teeter Hang Up inversion table and it helps a lot after coming home from work, but not near enough as it will return after several hours. It would be nice if I can bring this to work as I am sure it will alleviate the pain more but of course I can't have this near my desk.
I've talked to chiropractors and they seem to promise the world that it will relive me of the pain. I am trying go surgery as a last resort...My question is do you think a chiropractor can be effective in terms resolving this sciatica pain injury?
DC
09 Ultra
I've talked to chiropractors and they seem to promise the world that it will relive me of the pain. I am trying go surgery as a last resort...My question is do you think a chiropractor can be effective in terms resolving this sciatica pain injury?
DC
09 Ultra
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 45
From: Long Island, NY
I am glad someone posted this question as I also getting ready to ask this forum...I have also that nagging sciatica pain that starts on the left butt and it shoots down my left leg as the day progresses...I've been using this Teeter Hang Up inversion table and it helps a lot after coming home from work, but not near enough as it will return after several hours. It would be nice if I can bring this to work as I am sure it will alleviate the pain more but of course I can't have this near my desk.
I've talked to chiropractors and they seem to promise the world that it will relive me of the pain. I am trying go surgery as a last resort...My question is do you think a chiropractor can be effective in terms resolving this sciatica pain injury?
DC
09 Ultra
I've talked to chiropractors and they seem to promise the world that it will relive me of the pain. I am trying go surgery as a last resort...My question is do you think a chiropractor can be effective in terms resolving this sciatica pain injury?
DC
09 Ultra
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 286
Likes: 23
From: Ma
My surgeon say a herniated disk is like a jelly donut that you push down on and the jelly comes out the hole in the side. All the PT in the world won't put the jelly back. That being said, I had three herniated disks in my lower back. Surgery on the L5 to remove a serverly herniated disk.
I have a 2014 Limited, rear shocks at 25lbs. Not a bad ride. The Big bumps still rattle me a little but I ride. Did a 2700 mile ride last September in 5 days. Air pressure is key. The 2014 bikes will take much more air and ride better than even the 2013's.. I had a 2013 CVO ultra... Didn't ride well..
I have a 2014 Limited, rear shocks at 25lbs. Not a bad ride. The Big bumps still rattle me a little but I ride. Did a 2700 mile ride last September in 5 days. Air pressure is key. The 2014 bikes will take much more air and ride better than even the 2013's.. I had a 2013 CVO ultra... Didn't ride well..
Supporter
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 147
From: Grays Creek, NC
Depends on you, for me the chiropractor made it worse. I would be sore for three days after going to him, he said my back was just out of alignment. This was before the MRI, normal x-rays showed nothing.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 907
Likes: 8
From: Greeneville, TN
Bulging Disc
I fell Christmas day and developed what I thought was a severe case of sciatica. Had an MRI last week and just found out I have a herniated disk between L4 and L5 pressing the sciatic nerve. The pain is now at a very low level I'm doing some physical therapy. Any of you guys ride with this condition? On the softail there would be certain bumps in the road that would really jar my spine I don't have enough miles on the SG to know how it handles those pot holes but I'm hoping it will not be as harsh.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 362
Likes: 8
From: Tennessee
Coincidence this thread popped up. I have been getting facet injections for lower back arthritis. Recently I injured myself and now have to deal with the L4-L5 herniated disk harsh sciatic nerve pain in my right leg. I have had 2 epidural injections with little comfort. My Doctor has recommended surgery. I seem to be able to ride only a short distance until the pain in buttock and the calf is so extreme, I have to pull over and try to walk it off. I can only hope that surgery will fix me up with little downtime if that is the route I take. The news of the bulging disk and seeing it on the MRI was devastating. I pray for relief.