Sciatica from Cycling
Discussion
My experience was not through cycling but I ruptured a disc in my back a good few years ago which gave me sciatica. I really sympathise! Pain like nothing I've known before or since. Lived on painkillers for a year before I had a microdiscectomy operation. Woke up from that pain free (apart from a sore back where they cut me open of course). It has risks (waving scalpels close to your spinal cord), but it worked for me 100%. Your back will be permanently 'weakened' (discs don't grow back), so make sure you do plenty of core exercises to support it. Started cycling again after the op with no problems though. Funnily enough it's since I stopped cycling over this winter (too lazy)! that I've started having problems again, although this isn't sciatica related, more lazy bugger related (no stretching, no exercise)!! Hope you get back on your feet soon.
anonymous said:
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Back pain is a bugger mine started at 15, I had a spinal fusion at 18, prolapsed a disc at 21, so have been managing 'the condition' for nearly 30 years.I'd be surprised if it was, I moved to cycling as swimming 60-80k a week was killing it. Its likely to be one of these - Genetics, Getting Older and degradation or core. There's either bone movement or disc inflammation causing pressure on the nerve.
With 'Core' you mentioned stretching, which I suspect could be part of the issue. Go anywhere near the gym, plenty do sit-ups, very little do any side or anything for the lower back muscles, these are under strain the longer you're in the drops and control posture.
Take your meds, they work in tandem, even after you start to feel a bit better this is a marathon not a sprint, the anti inflammatory will reduce the swelling, the pain killers, well...
Next thing, keep moving, don't sit or lie around for too long, go for a little walk, it will help.
A good exercise for lower back, lie face down with arms down by your side, gently lift chest area off the floor (you'll feel a slight pull in lower back) hold for 10 secs, do reps of 10. DO NOT use your arms to assist, your only looking to lift a couple of inches of the ground rather than arching your back.
t. Get well soon.I'm in a similar position.
Went out for a 27 mile ride on 17th April and couldn't move the next day.
My right calf was in agony every time I took a step for the next three weeks and while it doesn't hurt any more, my entire leg feels 'dead'. It's like being pissed - both legs are sort of dead and I don't feel like I'm in full control.
Tried to run for the train the other day and nearly went flat on my face.
I had an assessment the day after it happened, but was told to give a good six weeks to see if it got better.
It hasn't so I think I'm going to have to pull the work medical insurance card and either get physio, treatment or operation.
Went out for a 27 mile ride on 17th April and couldn't move the next day.
My right calf was in agony every time I took a step for the next three weeks and while it doesn't hurt any more, my entire leg feels 'dead'. It's like being pissed - both legs are sort of dead and I don't feel like I'm in full control.
Tried to run for the train the other day and nearly went flat on my face.
I had an assessment the day after it happened, but was told to give a good six weeks to see if it got better.
It hasn't so I think I'm going to have to pull the work medical insurance card and either get physio, treatment or operation.
I popped a disc last year. Between L4 and L5. Luckily have private health care through work. Saw specialist and one Mri later he could see issue. Had a small procedure under General where they inject meds directly into the area.
Amazingly had no pain straight afterwards and had physio.
Ended up doing Pilates which has been fantastic and totally recommend for improving core stability.
Been on bike and had no issues but that was never the cause of the injury.
Amazingly had no pain straight afterwards and had physio.
Ended up doing Pilates which has been fantastic and totally recommend for improving core stability.
Been on bike and had no issues but that was never the cause of the injury.
I have this issue, ended up in A&E last BH Monday after an 80 miler. Hamstrings is the issue, don't stretch them and they pull your pelvis out of line, that then leads to spine/back issues. Been doing some stretches and it really helps, discs are still shot to bits though so long term will need surgery.
It's amazing how much muscle spasms hurt! Like others on here I have had disc issues at L4/5 with a microdiscectomy and then a fusion 3 years ago. The muscle spasms I got before surgery were breathtaking - had one at Pembrey and had to drive all the way home with the trailer, and another at Brands fortunately closer to home. Only way I could manage was to phone my mum and talk to her all the way to try and distract from the pain! You have my sympathy - core strengthening exercises like Pilates (done correctly), and the RIGHT stretching exercises from the physio sound like a good idea.
I think there still might be something more at play, lots of people ride a lot of miles and make no effort to do anything special in the way of stretching (myself included). But very few people ever have what you've described, I would seek out someone who is a specialist in sports injury and go from there perhaps...
anonymous said:
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Not sure I agree with you on that. It will more likely your position if anything in my opinion.As OKGO says, lots of us, myself included, don't stretch before or after and ride quite a bit.
Out of interest, what are you classing as big miles? I'm not sure who you are on Strava to do my own research.
I had a similar issue with a bulging disc L3/L4, steroid injection sorted it.
I was advised to do regular bridging/plank work along with the TP stuff you are doing (can recommend the books Core Advantage and the TP Therapy Workbook for Lower Back and Gluteal Pain). I also went to a standing desk at work.
Since then I have had no issues, been much more comfortable on the bike for long periods and never had the nagging lower back pulling sensation after a ride which inevitably meant pain somewhere down the line
I was advised to do regular bridging/plank work along with the TP stuff you are doing (can recommend the books Core Advantage and the TP Therapy Workbook for Lower Back and Gluteal Pain). I also went to a standing desk at work.
Since then I have had no issues, been much more comfortable on the bike for long periods and never had the nagging lower back pulling sensation after a ride which inevitably meant pain somewhere down the line
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