Mtn. Biking and Back Surgery

Spruce Moose said:

I guess my question is has anyone been in a similar circumstance? If so what is your story?

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Jason

I had a decompression performed on that disc about 3 years ago. My doc removed a fairly massive herniation. I still have minor recurring issues (mainly sciatica) from time to time if I do some twisting or take a bad spill. Usually goes away quite quickly, and never feels remotely painful as it was pre-op. I think I would have fewer problems yet but I don't work on core stabilization exercises like I am supposed to.

Since surgery, I have switched to a FS bike for about 50% of my riding, but I spend the other 50% on a rigid SS. I tend to ride the FS more when the back is acting up. In any case, you should probably be able to return to biking at pre-op intensities eventually. I ride harder now that I did pre-op, although I occasionally pay the price for it.

Hope this helps.

Mark

I have a bulging disk L4-L5 I believe. I suspect my pain is somewhat less than for those of you with actual ruptured disks, but I find that most of the time biking makes my back feel better. I don't know if its that biking forces me to use my core and back muscles or what. Every once in a while (like now) my back will act up, but I can usually get it back under control pretty fast. Most of my PT centers on core strength exercises, and stretches that are basically like bending the wrong way at the waist...that really helps me. Anyhow, I would say you will eventually get back to normal and if you can stick to some sort of PT and preventative exercise regimen, you'll be in good shape.

In short, have hope....you'll heal up in no time Good luck.

SuperClydesdale said:

Jason

I had a decompression performed on that disc about 3 years ago. My doc removed a .... I ride harder now that I did pre-op, although I occasionally pay the price for it.

Hope this helps.

Mark

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Hi Mark,

Thanks for the inspiration. Actually I just treated myself to a FS frame so I'm going to get rid of the hardtail (the parts will switch right over). I'm pegging 1 year for a full recovery but I am doing to core training exercises and the Physio Therapist just OK'd me to do some weight training for my legs. I guess the key is to take it day by day.

Jason

you'll be as good as new (almost)

I had a totally ruptured L4-L5 and had a microdiscectomy performed last nov. didn't do any riding until about april. I am back riding just as hard now as i was before the rupture occurred. the dr wasn't a big fan of me mtb'ing at all but knew that i wasn't going to stop and just told me to realize I am taking more risk than the avg. person. I also though have switched to a FS and ride a blur now. I haven't yet experienced any more pain during ride even with all the crashes. I do have to admit the next morning I am pretty stiff getting out of bed but that goes away pretty fast. The one thing that helped me specifically I think is that I am only 29 and recovered very well from the surgery and did all I could immediately after the surgery in terms of walking, really had to force myself to continue to push it, which is all they wanted me to do for a couple of weeks.

Spruce Moose said:

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the inspiration. Actually I just treated myself to a FS frame so I'm going to get rid of the hardtail (the parts will switch right over). I'm pegging 1 year for a full recovery but I am doing to core training exercises and the Physio Therapist just OK'd me to do some weight training for my legs. I guess the key is to take it day by day.

Jason

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