Anyone ride with herniated discs in back or neck?

[Little Jeff]

I have been having a lot of issues with headaches for the last year. Been to a million Dr's, taken hills of pills. MRI's and the whole works. The only thing that seemed to get me any type of relief, although being slight, was physical therapy and massage therapy. I can't go again until next year. I called my family Dr about 2 months ago and asked him if "HE" could refer me to a good neurologist. I went and she ordered a MRI done of my neck and head. Turns out I have a herniated disc between c6-c7 and slight bulge between c5-c6. She could not say that this condition was the cause of my headaches but it was possible. She refered me to a neurosurgeon which I saw this morning. I didn't like what he had to say. He was adament about cutting me open and fusing my discs together. To me that is just not an option. I will return to PT and give that another go. I think that in my case that surgery is not even an option. I don't have tingling or numbingin the arms, legs or fingers like some might get with this condition. So my question to you guy and gals, do you still ride even after Dr tells you that continuing to do so will put you at higher risk for permenent damage? I just don't want to give up riding because of this. I will cut down and tone the riding down, but will not quit unless I absolutely have to. Any thoughts or experiences you would like to share with me to put my mind at ease? Also, why are some Dr's so eager to cut you open with out exploring other alternatives?

Thanks for your time

Little Jeff

[Dances With Rocks]

MRI Tells them where to cut...I have herniated L4-L5. Doc wanted to fuse it, I am trying alternative methods (everything) first. I can still ride, but haven't done more aggressive riding in about 5 months. Was just Dual Sporting, etc. I'll put off surgery as long as possible.

[LifeWithNoJob]

I have been having a lot of issues with headaches for the last year. Been to a million Dr's, taken hills of pills. MRI's and the whole works. The only thing that seemed to get me any type of relief, although being slight, was physical therapy and massage therapy. I can't go again until next year. I called my family Dr about 2 months ago and asked him if "HE" could refer me to a good neurologist. I went and she ordered a MRI done of my neck and head. Turns out I have a herniated disc between c6-c7 and slight bulge between c5-c6. She could not say that this condition was the cause of my headaches but it was possible. She refered me to a neurosurgeon which I saw this morning. I didn't like what he had to say. He was adament about cutting me open and fusing my discs together. To me that is just not an option. I will return to PT and give that another go. I think that in my case that surgery is not even an option. I don't have tingling or numbingin the arms, legs or fingers like some might get with this condition. So my question to you guy and gals, do you still ride even after Dr tells you that continuing to do so will put you at higher risk for permenent damage? I just don't want to give up riding because of this. I will cut down and tone the riding down, but will not quit unless I absolutely have to. Any thoughts or experiences you would like to share with me to put my mind at ease? Also, why are some Dr's so eager to cut you open with out exploring other alternatives?

Thanks for your time

Little Jeff

Don't get the surgery unless you absolutly have to. I've had similar issues with low back pain. I've been disgnised with DDD and spinal stenosis. I've had a recent bout with sciatic pain but after 2 months of 3200 mg daily Ibuprofen (and a few nights with vicoden to help sleep) it's finally getting better. Most doctors(non-surgeons) advise trying at least 6 months of non-surgical alternatives first. I've started back with my ab strenghening excersices and stretching just this past week. I have strong abs already but with disk problems you can still have issues. Keeping the hamstrings stretched is also VERY important because tight hams pull the pelvis out of alignment, putting more presure on the disk.

My doctor said 3200 of Ibuprofen a day would not hurt me as long as I take it with food and control the acid reflux.

See another doctor, and DON'T overuse the narcotic pain killers. They will really you up if used constantly.

Trail riding, hare scramble racing does not aggravate my back at all. Moto jumps do hurt if my back is not feeling 100%. Don't even think about golf though.

[bikeboy1]

I have been having a lot of issues with headaches for the last year. Been to a million Dr's, taken hills of pills. MRI's and the whole works. The only thing that seemed to get me any type of relief, although being slight, was physical therapy and massage therapy. I can't go again until next year. I called my family Dr about 2 months ago and asked him if "HE" could refer me to a good neurologist. I went and she ordered a MRI done of my neck and head. Turns out I have a herniated disc between c6-c7 and slight bulge between c5-c6. She could not say that this condition was the cause of my headaches but it was possible. She refered me to a neurosurgeon which I saw this morning. I didn't like what he had to say. He was adament about cutting me open and fusing my discs together. To me that is just not an option. I will return to PT and give that another go. I think that in my case that surgery is not even an option. I don't have tingling or numbingin the arms, legs or fingers like some might get with this condition. So my question to you guy and gals, do you still ride even after Dr tells you that continuing to do so will put you at higher risk for permenent damage? I just don't want to give up riding because of this. I will cut down and tone the riding down, but will not quit unless I absolutely have to. Any thoughts or experiences you would like to share with me to put my mind at ease? Also, why are some Dr's so eager to cut you open with out exploring other alternatives?

Thanks for your time

Little Jeff

Have you tried an inversion table yet,I have one that helps stretch out my back along with everything else. It seems alot of people with herniated discs seem to get some relief with sessions on the table everyday.I had Piriformis on first the right side and spent alot of time stretching,massage therapy,and riding the inversion table but it finally went away. Two years later I got it on the left side but knew what I had to do so it didnt get as bad. I use the table everyday,once in morning and then in the evening for a couple minutes each time just to stretch out the back.

[RSAthump]

i have a buddy who rode ATVs with this problem.... he has had the surgery now to remove the bulges... have to wait and see

[Paab]

I have 3 herniated disks in my neck. I have done PT type workouts for the last 3 years, and I ride without pain now. The key is low impact workouts that strengthen you core and build stability in the spinal area. I did ride through a lot of pain at first. I found that a good neck brace (EVS or Leatt) reduced pain quite a bit.

The daily workouts are key. 30 minutes, no weights, just a swissball and therabands. Weights just cause muscle spasms and more pain. F the surgeon.

[Little Jeff]

What kinds of excercises do you do with the therabands? I also had a 2nd opinion yesterday from another neurosurgeon, and he says from reading the report and looking at pics that there was no need for surgery for this kind of condition. Exactly what I wanted to hear. How much $ are the inversion tables? Also thought about doing yoga but am still unsure. Going to see a headache specialists next month, so we'll see what he says. Thanks for the replies so far

Little Jeff

[Montana-Snipe]

I think that a cheap inversion table will cost about 200.00 while a good one will be upwards of about 500.00. I feel good giving the circumstances, but have my days where I wish I could have pursued alternative medicine, I did have a great nuerosurgeon though.

Paab: I could not imagine 3 herniated disc's in my neck, having just one was bad enough.

[Paab]

I think that a cheap inversion table will cost about 200.00 while a good one will be upwards of about 500.00. I feel good giving the circumstances, but have my days where I wish I could have pursued alternative medicine, I did have a great nuerosurgeon though.

Paab: I could not imagine 3 herniated disc's in my neck, having just one was bad enough.

I got hit by a car head on at 40+40 when he swerved into my lane. I flew pretty high and landed flat on my back. I think the injury came because I held my head and helmet off the pavement through the impact. Despite the years of PT I came out pretty luck in the end.

As for the therabands, I did basic shoulder and bicep stuff with them. I really had to re-orient my attitude about working out. It's not for power, but for stability and muscle tone and balance. With herniated disks, you guard the area and it causes atrophy in the muscles along your spine you need most. I think I've actually improved as an athlete as a side effect of this program.

[cblyx6]

i have had L3, L4, and L5 fused and and now ride every chance I get, in an earlier post someone said put the surgury off as long as you can, there are disadvantages to putting the surgury off if this is whats required, 1. the older you get, the harder it is to recover from major surguries, I am 43 and had my surgury when I was 40, ( the day after Christmas) and it was one of the best decisions Iever made. Within 4 months Iwas back to riding and hill climbing on my hillclimber. Difinitly made for a better me. Onther post says you should try alternative means to surgury, Difinitly worth a try as long as some quack doesnt try to talk you into pain management, ( which is short for here take these pills and stay screwed up and you wont feel the pain ) I myself had steriod injections that seemt to work for a short period, it cured the buldge I had, but did nothing for the deginitiarive disc. in short, my opinion is if there is a problem, fix the problem, dont try to patch it,

Cblyx6

[Paab]

No doubt, but if you talk to a surgeon, they tell you you need surgery. Talk to a pain management doc, you need drugs, and on and on. When you are in a gray area, try a good comprehensive PT program. It's the least invasive, and it will make you healthier to boot!

[Montana-Snipe]

I didn't have alot of options that's why elected for the surgery, definitely pros and cons. With that said I heard being diagnosed with degenerative disc disease can be difficult. What symptoms and how bad does ones spine need to be?

[mrgem]

I agree. Overwhelmingly, those that chose surgery (at least the 5 I've spoken to) have not regretted doing so. All but one is back to doing what they always did and then some -- and his restricting basketball -- is self-imposed.

I have a co-worker who was an avid ATVer and a fellow old guy (we are both 60). He had a bulging cervical disc which was extremely painful. He had it repaired (including removal of a small bone chip) and has not regretted doing so one bit. He will be back in the saddle this spring and his surgeon says he should be able to ride, play tennis, etc., just like he used to.

I myself woke up in mid October with terrible lower back pain and sciatica to the extent I could barely walk. After doing web research and taking Tylenol and Advil for several weeks, I resigned myself to going to the Doc's. My Internist sent me to get an MRI and sure enough, I had a ruptured disc between L5 and S1. The rupture had agravated a stenosis condition at that vertabrae -- putting major nerve trunks in direct contact with bone.

He sent me to a spine surgeon who said that they could try to see if PT, painkillers and cortisone injections would work and re-evaluate after a year. After talking to several guys (and one woman) who'd ultimately chosen back surgery, only one (who was 25 years younger than I) said the PT and injections gave them permanent relief.

So, I've decided to go under the knife (a laminectomy where they trim back the offending bone) and am hoping my good physical condition, combined with a willingness to work my butt off in PT, will put me back in the saddle and riding like I enjoy riding, that is to say agressively, by May. I may miss ski season, but I am resolved to be riding the rocks and sand this Spring.

[ecoracin]

i raced as a pro in Australia in the late 80s with a bulging L4/5 Had it trimmed up and felt a millon bucks raced for 5 more years and did it again working in the back yard and im back on the bike at 41 i still get some pain but manage it if you really have a screwed disc no pills ,stretching or witch craft will fix you ensure you sus your surgeon out see a few if unsure::

[Montana-Snipe]

I agree. Overwhelmingly, those that chose surgery (at least the 5 I've spoken to) have not regretted doing so. All but one is back to doing what they always did and then some -- and his restricting basketball -- is self-imposed.

I have a co-worker who was an avid ATVer and a fellow old guy (we are both 60). He had a bulging cervical disc which was extremely painful. He had it repaired (including removal of a small bone chip) and has not regretted doing so one bit. He will be back in the saddle this spring and his surgeon says he should be able to ride, play tennis, etc., just like he used to.

I myself woke up in mid October with terrible lower back pain and sciatica to the extent I could barely walk. After doing web research and taking Tylenol and Advil for several weeks, I resigned myself to going to the Doc's. My Internist sent me to get an MRI and sure enough, I had a ruptured disc between L5 and S1. The rupture had agravated a stenosis condition at that vertabrae -- putting major nerve trunks in direct contact with bone.

He sent me to a spine surgeon who said that they could try to see if PT, painkillers and cortisone injections would work and re-evaluate after a year. After talking to several guys (and one woman) who'd ultimately chosen back surgery, only one (who was 25 years younger than I) said the PT and injections gave them permanent relief.

So, I've decided to go under the knife (a laminectomy where they trim back the offending bone) and am hoping my good physical condition, combined with a willingness to work my butt off in PT, will put me back in the saddle and riding like I enjoy riding, that is to say agressively, by May. I may miss ski season, but I am resolved to be riding the rocks and sand this Spring.

I don't regret it, but like I said Pros and Cons, sure wish I had the option for more physical thereapy. It was either surgery or get Med Boarded, I figure try to keep with my current profession as long as I can or at least get as close to 20yrs for my retirement. Right now I am driving a desk until 2014 so not to strenuous.

[mrgem]

Two and a half weeks since the surgery for me. Sciatica and most of the pain is gone. I was back at work after 4 days and am chomping at the bit to be given the green light by my surgeon to start working out in preparation for riding this spring.

I will not be able to ski this winter, but I have ever intention of riding again starting in May.

Just curious: You mentioned you are "trying to get your 20." Are you military or law enforcement? If either, I can certainly understand your concern about your suitability for anything other than light duty. My career as a cop ended abruptly in my 20s when I blew out my left knee in an MX accident.

[indy rider]

I agree. Overwhelmingly, those that chose surgery (at least the 5 I've spoken to) have not regretted doing so. All but one is back to doing what they always did and then some -- and his restricting basketball -- is self-imposed.

I have a co-worker who was an avid ATVer and a fellow old guy (we are both 60). He had a bulging cervical disc which was extremely painful. He had it repaired (including removal of a small bone chip) and has not regretted doing so one bit. He will be back in the saddle this spring and his surgeon says he should be able to ride, play tennis, etc., just like he used to.

I myself woke up in mid October with terrible lower back pain and sciatica to the extent I could barely walk. After doing web research and taking Tylenol and Advil for several weeks, I resigned myself to going to the Doc's. My Internist sent me to get an MRI and sure enough, I had a ruptured disc between L5 and S1. The rupture had agravated a stenosis condition at that vertabrae -- putting major nerve trunks in direct contact with bone.

He sent me to a spine surgeon who said that they could try to see if PT, painkillers and cortisone injections would work and re-evaluate after a year. After talking to several guys (and one woman) who'd ultimately chosen back surgery, only one (who was 25 years younger than I) said the PT and injections gave them permanent relief.

So, I've decided to go under the knife (a laminectomy where they trim back the offending bone) and am hoping my good physical condition, combined with a willingness to work my butt off in PT, will put me back in the saddle and riding like I enjoy riding, that is to say agressively, by May. I may miss ski season, but I am resolved to be riding the rocks and sand this Spring.

I had the same herniation in my lower back for two years. I tried PT and the steroid injections to no avail. Last February I finally had the microdisectomy surgery and I'm so happy I did. It went exactly as I was told it would and I was riding 12 weeks later. I sure they emphasized to you that you just have to resist doing things once you start to feel better........and you will start to feel better very quickly. ? Good Luck

[rbeckett]

As a vascular surgery survivor, I have been warned to be extremely carefull but that came from an anti-bike and anti off road doc, so stay within you abilities and take it easy and wait till the doc releases you before you get hot and heavy again and you should do OK.

Bob

[mrgem]

Interestingly enough, got a call from one of the other "senior riders" in the group (he's ten years younger than I) last night and told him about my recent surgery. He tells me he had a bulging lumbar disc repaired 3 years ago. I had no idea, as he is one of the faster riders in our group.

He added that he regularly does core-strengthening exercises and has had zero problems since recovering from the surgery.

This guy is a mad man on his CRF450... and you'd never know that he had a serious back problem. I think that modern spine surgery is a marvelous thing that takes old guys like me (as well as you younger guys) and adds years to our riding lifespan.

So far, my only regret is living with the pain for 3 months before I finally made the decision to get the repairs done.

[rb1canobi]

I've lived with a herniated L4-5 disc for over 25 yrs and a torn acl for 23 yrs. I would have fixed both back then but had no insurance. Get it fixed ! If it's work comp. related don't let them bully you. They'll try to minimize it and put you through all kinds of bull shit to get you out from under their care. Insurance whores ! ! I had a physical therapist hurt me once by pushing me to hard. The doc. finally admitted to me that he HAD to drag it out and as cheaply as possible or he would be dropped by work comp. I had to get a lawyer. I should have gotten it fixed, but I took a settlement instead. Big mistake. Both have gone out multiple times. I get my knee fixed next month and hopefully my back before ridding season.