Post by Deleted on Aug 6, 2013 21:56:34 GMT
I've suffered with a bad back for about 20 years, its to do with disc wear at the base of the spine from sitting on my back side for most of my adult life.
However with sensible management - getting up and stretching at regular intervals, avoiding heavy lifting, occasional ibuprofen and a few stretching exercises I manage to keep it in check most of the time. I've been recommended to improve my core strength and take some of the strain off the back but my stomach muscles are shot and I find the exercise programme very hard to follow.
I love cycling (modestly and at my own pace) and impulsively bought my Triban 3 a few weeks back. I love it and after a few short spins I did my first 10 mile circuit last Thursday. Apart from a little discomfort in the neck and shoulders the ride went well and I felt fine the following day. Over the weekend I didn't do much riding (busy doing other stuff) so was eager for another ride yesterday evening. This time I took a different route involving a very steep hill and a few ups and downs and again felt some mild neck and shoulder discomfort but my back also started to ache. I relieved the latter by sitting upright for a few miles and completed the run (another 10 miler) in decent condition.
Today however I've struggled. Train and bus journeys (2 hours in total) plus a couple of long office meetings have seen the back virtually collapse on me (I'm laying on the couch typing this!) and put paid to my hopes of another ride this evening.
My question to fellow back sufferers then is this: does cycling - particularly in the crouched, on the drops position - cause you problems?
I'm hopeful that this episode will pass over in a few days and I'll be able to remount my gorgeous Triban. I'm also trying to convince myself that regular riding WILL improve my core strength - certainly legs and maybe arms and stomach? Thus relieving some of the pressure on my lower back. But has anyone had a similar experience or are there any medics/trainers/physios within our tribe who might be able to advise?
All thoughts gratefully received..
However with sensible management - getting up and stretching at regular intervals, avoiding heavy lifting, occasional ibuprofen and a few stretching exercises I manage to keep it in check most of the time. I've been recommended to improve my core strength and take some of the strain off the back but my stomach muscles are shot and I find the exercise programme very hard to follow.
I love cycling (modestly and at my own pace) and impulsively bought my Triban 3 a few weeks back. I love it and after a few short spins I did my first 10 mile circuit last Thursday. Apart from a little discomfort in the neck and shoulders the ride went well and I felt fine the following day. Over the weekend I didn't do much riding (busy doing other stuff) so was eager for another ride yesterday evening. This time I took a different route involving a very steep hill and a few ups and downs and again felt some mild neck and shoulder discomfort but my back also started to ache. I relieved the latter by sitting upright for a few miles and completed the run (another 10 miler) in decent condition.
Today however I've struggled. Train and bus journeys (2 hours in total) plus a couple of long office meetings have seen the back virtually collapse on me (I'm laying on the couch typing this!) and put paid to my hopes of another ride this evening.
My question to fellow back sufferers then is this: does cycling - particularly in the crouched, on the drops position - cause you problems?
I'm hopeful that this episode will pass over in a few days and I'll be able to remount my gorgeous Triban. I'm also trying to convince myself that regular riding WILL improve my core strength - certainly legs and maybe arms and stomach? Thus relieving some of the pressure on my lower back. But has anyone had a similar experience or are there any medics/trainers/physios within our tribe who might be able to advise?
All thoughts gratefully received..