Riding with a Herniated Disk ?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 45
From: Long Island, NY
Riding with a Herniated Disk ?
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
I've had 2 back surgeries in the last 20yrs and it still bothers me everyday. As long as I ride with a backrest I have no problems even on long rides. Key is getting pressure right in shocks, backrest, changing foot position every so often and stopping to stretch about every 100 miles or so. Works for me.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 474
Likes: 5
From: Virginia
I fell Dec 5, and had very bad pain down my right leg. A week after seeing my Primary Doctor, he suggested that I go see a Orthopedic Doc. They sent me for MRI & Xray's. Called the next day and said I needed surgery, I had a ruptured disk L3-L4. Got a second opinion from a Neurosurgeon and had the surgery Jan 3 with him. I'm in no more pain but right leg is still weak and tender. My wife asked the Doc when I could ride my Harley again during the follow up visit last week, she was hoping he would say sell it but he said no riding for at least 3 months. That is fine with me because its too darn cold out for me to ride anyway.
Best of luck with your back.
Best of luck with your back.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
Physical therapy is the best thing you can do. I got injections in my disk and that was only a temporary fix. The PT is what finally helped. Surgery should be a last resort and may be temporary too.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 45
From: Long Island, NY
Im doing PT everything I have read about this said there is a very good chance of complete recovery without surgery. I have heard alot of horror stories about back surgery but fortunatly living near New York City I have access to some of the best Dr's in the world.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 563
Likes: 4
From: Raleigh, NC
I have the same herniated disk at L4 L5. I've gone through it all and stopped before surgery. As long as I stick with the stretches every morning, I do them in the shower. I'm all set. I will have a spasm probably once a year that puts me on my back for a few days. Nothing some painkillers cant handle. Keep on riding....... I think riding actually helps with keeping things "loose". Good luck
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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try a thermacare heatwrap when you ride. that heat on the lower back feels good and helps keep things from tightening up.
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Supporter
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 147
From: Grays Creek, NC
I have four herniated disks, three of them are ripped. Bad parachute accident from back in 2005, mine haven't gotten any better and I finally had to Medically retire from the Army. Getting the bike to were I can ride comfortable was a long process.
The bars to get me to sit strait, the rider back rest, Better front and rear shocks (Harley premium adjustable lowered and monotubes), Hammock seat and the 1" floor board extensions. I also have a hand full of meds that I take three times a day (non-narcotic)and get the cortisone shots and the radio frequency shots.
Physical therapy made mine worse, befor it was my back and neck and after Physical therapy my legs now go numb at times. Also the Army issued me a home traction machine and a tens unit.
For me riding the bike helps my back feel better, maybe the vibration? But I can't ride a stock bike comfortably at all. I'm currently 100% T/P disabled from the VA at 41 yrs old, and would give it all back to not have to live with this pain! I just make the best of it.
The bars to get me to sit strait, the rider back rest, Better front and rear shocks (Harley premium adjustable lowered and monotubes), Hammock seat and the 1" floor board extensions. I also have a hand full of meds that I take three times a day (non-narcotic)and get the cortisone shots and the radio frequency shots.
Physical therapy made mine worse, befor it was my back and neck and after Physical therapy my legs now go numb at times. Also the Army issued me a home traction machine and a tens unit.
For me riding the bike helps my back feel better, maybe the vibration? But I can't ride a stock bike comfortably at all. I'm currently 100% T/P disabled from the VA at 41 yrs old, and would give it all back to not have to live with this pain! I just make the best of it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 4
From: Here
Hopefully you will get a good resolution with PT, but the surgery isn't bad at all unless they say "fusion"...