Riding through spinal stenosis treatment?

Originally Posted by Archibald

spinal stenosis is a narrowing of areas along the spine, right??
so you'd be looking for activities that don't restrict or cause swelling around those areas?
based on those two items being correct, then as long as riding doesn't cause any swelling or restrictions, it would follow that it should be okay.
i'm no doctor, so that's not gospel, but i can give you my own situation:
after spending the last 3 and a half years receiving treatment for spinal injuries, I have found that the last 9months that i've been riding have also seen the most improvement in my lower back. i have also been doing a fair amount of swimming and running in that time as well.
if at anytime i've felt soreness in my back during any activity, then i stop straight away, and your's isn't painful...
well, that's my current situation, which isn't stenosis, just a broken coccyx, 3 near-dislocations and other damage to my neck and spine.

what'd your doctor/chiro/physician say?

Originally Posted by Archibald

golf is fine?
wow, i've seen more stuffed backs from golf, than cycling!

Originally Posted by Archibald

either way, i find that if i alter my position regularly i get along just fine. i just ignore the "ants in your pants" comments from my mates about my constant figitting...

Originally Posted by elnadeau

I'm looking for any reccomendations regarding riding with my condition, whether it's known to worsen it or otherwise, whether it could have contributed to increase in symptoms overall. To put it another way, my other half thinks I am doing myself in by riding my bike, though I feel better when I do. My feeling is that my problem is aggravated by sitting, not riding.

I have been diagnosed after MRI with severe spinal stenosis. My particular version of stenosis involves herniated disks (L4/L4, L4/L5), possible bone spur and arthitis (I'm 55). I have lower back/leg pain, some numbness and weakness in the legs when I walk. The disc issues were likely caused by some lifting injuries when I was younger and then perhaps re-injured about 3 yrs ago. I have a desk job (computer/meetings) which seems to aggravate the condition though I follow reccomended practices to minimize. I have no pain on the bike, feel much better after a ride - walking is actually more difficult. Most days I perform stretching and other self physical therapy which helps somewhat.

I have been going through treatment for several months and am scheduled for a 2nd epidural steroid injection this week. I have been through DRS therapy (basically a computerized traction rack), physical therapy including core strengthening and previous injection which resulted in about 5 weeks of no symptoms.

I have been riding much less since I started treatment, limiting mainly to 20- 30 minutes on my garage trainer 4- 5 times weekly and recently occasional 10 - 15 mile rides in my local (very hilly) area. Previously I would ride about 50 - 80 miles per week. I have a Specialized Roubaix Comp which really does help cushion the road.

Originally Posted by Induray

elnadeau, how are you doing these days????. Have you been able to resume activities??? I have a similar condition although my OD did not mention if it has turned severe. I have not done an epidural but I will try other alternatives. (accupuncture). I am on Celebrex and Ultram (when needed) but I am shying away fm cycling as I fear a reocurrence. (Not pretty). I do spinning and perhaps tomorrow I wil try cycling in the morning. We'll see. Let me know.

Induray

Originally Posted by elnadeau

Hi,
Well, I ended up having a 2-level spinal fusion operation last October. There was not really any other solution and things were getting worse. Ironically, up until the sugery the only time that I did not have pain was while riding. Anyway it's been 5 months, I've been through physical therapy, kicked the pain meds and I have spinning on an upright stationary. I just got cleared to get on my road bike again last week but I'll have to admit it's a bit frightening. With all the screws and rods holding me together I should be fine but the thought of having a simple little clip-out fall is unsettling. I hope you don't have to go the same route as I did, keep the core strong and perhaps you can get through it. Best of luck.

Originally Posted by Brandyman

Im no doctor either but heres my story.

I had a bad fall, on a building site not a bike, 3 years ago and my L1 was pushed in and was almost touching the spinal cord. I was operated on and have made great improvments in the last 3 years. I have gotten back on the bike and I feel that its doing me the world of good, as I swim a bit as well , but really hate swimming. Sorry to hear about your problem, get some advice from a good back doctor. If he says its ok as long as you dont "over do " it, then go for it!!

Originally Posted by recoverydoc

Some articles I have done on back pain hope they help some.

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/defau...llstory&id=2927

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/defau...llstory&id=2987

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/defau...llstory&id=3003

Originally Posted by Induray

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately out here in Jacksonville Florida most of your sport related doctors specialized more on Golf or Football than cycling. I used to windsurf and whenever I had an injury due to w/s I was unable to get help with regarding to set up of equipment to prevent the injury. Seeing an Ortho or a neuro that cycles might be more likely but I haven't found one. lat Ortho that I visited , I asked him about cycling and if that sort of exercise could advance my disease. His answer....don't do it if it hurts. It is time for a new ortho.

Originally Posted by Induray

elnadeau, just wanted to know how are you fairing lately. Have you been riding?

Induray