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Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  • 1 Post By *Touring Ted*
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  • 1 Post By *Touring Ted*
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  #1  
Old 17 Aug 2014
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Back ache
I have recovered from a back ache recently with lot of physio-therapy and have started riding my bike again. I found riding bike comfy to back than driving car as I can change position of my back on the motorcycle while on the road.

I would like to know the experience of the members in this issue.
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  #2  
Old 18 Aug 2014
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back help
hi I have heard that the riding position on a bike with your knees lower than your hips is better for your back than the car seating position with your knees level or above your hips ,steve
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  #3  
Old 18 Aug 2014
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I had the first operation (discectomy) on my back in 2000. The next two (laminectomy followed by a discectomy 6 weeks later) in 2004.

Since then I have ridden from the bottom of the world to the top and all the way round. I have just finished Paris to Magadan.

I always wear a back support belt or Kidney belt and keep it tight.

Like you I find riding the bike more comfortable than driving a car these days, especially over any sort of distance.

Make sure you look after your back in future (correct bending with the knees, and trying not to strain it) and you will have many more enjoyable years of biking ahead of you. Good luck.

Chris
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Old 28 Aug 2014
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Thanks for the response.

I will add regular rest on long distance travel and stretching helped me a lot. My physiotherapist advised some exercise which is helpful too.

Yes I have learnt to look after my back now. In fact every part of my body.
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Old 29 Aug 2014
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Thanks for the response.

I will add regular rest on long distance travel and stretching helped me a lot. My physiotherapist advised some exercise which is helpful too.

Yes I have learnt to look after my back now. In fact every part of my body.
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  #6  
Old 29 Aug 2014
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I have deformity in my bag; to of my vertebrals are not square, not an big issue in normal life, but once in a while it goes really horrible wrong, and I walk like the Hunchback from Notre Dame for a while - that also causes me to have problems lifting my right leg off the ground.

But I've found that riding my bike (the one with motor) causes me the least amount of pain and suffering. Which is strange....

So yes, you're right a bike might not be a bad way to transport oneself when there are back problems.

As for preparing for a bike ride when you have a bad back, I'd say rowing machine and a normal bicycle, that'll train your bottom, and some of the muscles in your back and shoulder which will make life a lot easier.
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Old 29 Aug 2014
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I find a kidney belt helps a lot...

I really like the Alpinestars Orion belt.

It has a great lower back protector too which Is probably the reason I'm not in a wheelchair.. It saved my ass and keeps my posture.

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Old 31 Aug 2014
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Yes I agree with cycling and rowing. But Rowing not in the recovery phase though.

I want to mention to all in the forum if you have weakness in leg or trouble passing urine or opening bowels of recent onset associated with back-ache one must see the doctor immediately.

I get my friends to do some back massage on the road side when I take rest. Riding buddy always helps.
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  #9  
Old 31 Aug 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
I find a kidney belt helps a lot...

I really like the Alpinestars Orion belt.

It has a great lower back protector too which Is probably the reason I'm not in a wheelchair.. It saved my ass and keeps my posture.
Ted , I think you may not be wearing it correctly if it's saving your ass
!
Gareth
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  #10  
Old 31 Aug 2014
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Ted , I think you may not be wearing it correctly if it's saving your ass
!
Gareth
haha

You mean it shouldn't be worn like a pair of Y-fronts ?
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  #11  
Old 1 Sep 2014
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Ted
am sure you wore one of those once over the dodgy chaps
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  #12  
Old 2 Sep 2014
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I've suffered from chronic lower back pain for around 25 years now and the bike is definitely easier on it than the car. Much better posture. My problem with the bike is chronic butt ache..! It's getting worse as I get older. I'm starting to squirm after only 20 miles sometimes...

Maybe I need a belt like Ted's....
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Old 2 Sep 2014
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With or without the chaps ?
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  #14  
Old 3 Sep 2014
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Ted
Dont worry as they can be airbrushed out
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  #15  
Old 23 Oct 2014
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Smile Back Ache
5 troublesome discs. The only solution I have found is to swim as much as possible and watch your weight. The kidney belt is a must.

Enjoy life
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