Riding with a Herniated Disk ?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
My back is not as bad as most of your, however when riding for longer distances it takes quite a beating.
I had great success with a hammock seat to take out the jarring hard jolts, as well as a back rest to take some weight off my back. Now I can ride all day, and still get up without a sore back.
Surprisingly, a sheepskin pad gives me additional relief on multi day rides.
I had great success with a hammock seat to take out the jarring hard jolts, as well as a back rest to take some weight off my back. Now I can ride all day, and still get up without a sore back.
Surprisingly, a sheepskin pad gives me additional relief on multi day rides.
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 263
Likes: 30
From: Canada, Thailand
I am 59, had a badly ruptured disc 5 years ago. The doctors in Canada would not do anything for me, just pills and physio that I had to pay for and did not work. I ended up in Thailand in one of the best hospitals and had a microdisectomy done on my l5 s1. Immediate relief from the pain when I woke up after the surgery but it has taken 5 years of core training and exercise to get my strength back, Today I feel great and still getting stronger, hardly ever have any back pain. If you don't need surgery get into a good workout routine and strengthen your body with focus on your core and a good stretching program. It takes time but the body can heal with a little help, good luck.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake,VA
I've got similar back issues. Not as serious as some who've posted, just 4 herniated/bulging discs in the L region. Did the PT stuff and it is what it is. Can't offer any opinion based on experience, I just got my first bike (2014 SGS) in over 25 years about a month ago. With weather what it has been, haven't even broke 200 miles on it yet. One of the wife's arguments against getting the bike was "what about your back?" I figured if I can do everything else I do, riding wasn't going to hurt any worse. Don't know if it's the bike, or that I haven't been on it for any long ride, or the back isn't all that bad. But I haven't had any problem or any kind of pain beyond the normal either while riding or after. I am seriously considering adding a rider backrest though. Just seems like it would help if I ever do get to take a longer ride.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 13
From: Beautiful CNY
So as someone similarly afflicted with a seriously damaged low back I have been following this thread with great interest. Some of you sound like you're telling my story. Lots if ups and downs but over the last year things have gotten a bit more serious. Many MRI and neurosurgeon appointments have not motivated any surgical intervention because I still have decent functionality. So the pain and numbness are just something to deal with daily. But. Since this spring will be my first big tourer and the seating position has me concerned. Another is the heel and toe shifter. For those with issues do you have any trouble lifting the heel if your back is acting up? Many gone to toe only shifting?
Last edited by nervous; Feb 5, 2014 at 09:04 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
I use the heel toe shifter religiously, even on bad days with no problems. I have recently added the Kuryakyn floorboard extenders, out and up 1" and it helps too. Without the board extenders my heel rode against the shifter. With the extenders my heel doesn't ride against the shifter anymore but really no change in effort to shift.
2010 Limited with some stuff
2010 Limited with some stuff
I use my heel toe every time all the time.
Went to the doc yesterday and he's looking at burning some nerves. Doesn't have to cut me open though so that's good. It's another temporary fix but at least for about 9 months (average) I will have relief.
Went to the doc yesterday and he's looking at burning some nerves. Doesn't have to cut me open though so that's good. It's another temporary fix but at least for about 9 months (average) I will have relief.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Livingston, La.
I see they have plenty of hard headed riders like myself. I first had a back injury while in the Army during 65-68. They messed me up pretty good as far as my later life is concerned. The Army doctor told me that I would be alright until I hit my fifties and he was right on. I have no disc material between L2,L3,L4 and L5. The top back surgeron in my part of the country told me that I needed all 4 disc removed and replaced with a artificial disc. He then told me that this could not be done in the USA as the FDA will not allow more than one to be placed in each person. He then went on to say that I could go to Germany and have it done. Can't pay that bill!!I went to a pain management doctor who started out with the injections which have a short period of relief. They then tried burning the nerves in my spinal column and I ended up with one side of my Diaphragm paralyzed which stopped my right lung from working. The last resort was to install a infusion pump inside of me and have it deliver Dilaudid to my spinal fluid every 24-7. It works but I still have days with break through pain. I was told to stop riding my Harley.I laughed and purchased myself a AirHawk seat cushion. I ended up buying another one for my recliner. They are about $110 and may be found at Amazon and several other places. I just did a 800 mile ride to Florida with no pain. My ride is a 2004 RK. I will ride until they pick me up and put me in that box.Later Fairshake
Last edited by Fairshake; Feb 5, 2014 at 09:06 AM.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 528
Likes: 4
From: Alberta Canada
I see they have plenty of hard headed riders like myself. I first had a back injury while in the Army during 65-68. They messed me up pretty good as far as my later life is concerned. The Army doctor told me that I would be alright until I hit my fifties and he was right on. I have no disc material between L2,L3,L4 and L5. The top back surgeron in my part of the country told me that I needed all 4 disc removed and replaced with a artificial disc. He then told me that this could not be done in the USA as the FDA will not allow more than one to be placed in each person. He then went on to say that I could go to Germany and have it done. Can't pay that bill!!I went to a pain management doctor who started out with the injections which have a short period of relief. They then tried burning the nerves in my spinal column and I ended up with one side of my Diaphragm paralyzed which stopped my right lung from working. The last resort was to install a infusion pump inside of me and have it deliver Dilaudid to my spinal fluid every 24-7. It works but I still have days with break through pain. I was told to stop riding my Harley.I laughed and purchased myself a AirHawk seat cushion. I ended up buying another one for my recliner. They are about $110 and may be found at Amazon and several other places. I just did a 800 mile ride to Florida with no pain. My ride is a 2004 RK. I will ride until they pick me up and put me in that box.Later Fairshake