Ducky

I have a back injury. its bad enough that i have 4 different doctors, saying i need surgery.

My problem is L5 pinching my spinal cord causing loss of feeling, motor-function, and sometime severe pain in my low bag, legs. I also have a 'mild' neck injury as well.

I bought a bike about a month ago. a Trek 4300. I have been riding it (weather permitting) about 2-8 miles a day. Nothing offroad, no bumpy trails... all paved areas.

Now... my question is, can this make me 'worse'? Overall, I do feel a 'tinge' better... and I have noticed the ability to ride farther, longer and not be so dead when I get home... and I feel like I have more energy as a result.. But, I am curious, can cycling do damage to a back thats in bad shape? Overall, i am pretty comfortable on my bike, and I havent had any pain from riding it. Infact everytime I get home from riding i feel better.. Not great, but definitely better than when I had left.

I do realise that falling off the bike/crashing the bike could have some VERY negative effects on me. So I have taken some precautions in that regard - got a helmet, i wear pants, and boots, and also leather gloves when ever I go out. So in that regard I am 'safer' But, i dunno, what you think?

chephy

Ask your doctor. Nobody on here is qualified to answer your question, not even doctors who read BF, because they haven't examined you and don't know you what exactly is wrong with your back. Depending on your exact problem, riding might not impact it at all, or make it considerably better, or considerably worse.

I don't think you're thinking very rationally here. How is ANY of this safety equipment going to protect your back and neck? It simply can't. This is not to say that you shouldn't ride (anybody can be seriously injured while riding; it's a risk you accept when getting on a bike, just like with any other activities), but simply pointing out that you're not decreasing risk of spinal injury by wearing gloves and a helmet.

deraltekluge

But none of those precautions do anything to protect your injured back.

duff1301

I have had back and neck pain for years, I started going to a Chiropractor and
it changed my life. I bike 300 plus miles a month during the summer months pain
free and have never felt better. I'm 47 and in good health. Not all Chiro's are the
same but one that deals with wellness seem to be more about long term health instead
of just pain management. IMO

JanMM

Definitely check that out with your healthcare provider.

IronMac

+1 Couldn't have said this better myself.