pepperbelly

My 6' step ladder went sideways out from under me causing me to fall. I landed sitting up straight up on my tailbone. CT scan said I have a compression fracture of my T5 vertebrae.
Dr. said to take it easy and nor do anything stupid for 6 weeks.
After 6 weeks I will be riding again but I am worried about riding position.
Has anyone had a similar injury?
Does the standard road bike position put more stress on the back?
I was thinking about a more upright position, but I have no idea which position is best after a back injury.

DiabloScott

I had a compression fracture of T12 last year from a seizure that I don't remember. Doc said I was probably standing up when it hit and I landed on my butt similar to the way you did. It was 4-1/2 weeks until I was doing my normal ride. I found the road bike made my back feel better by getting some of the weight off my spine (and into my arms). Also, I bought a used inversion table for really cheap and now it's my favorite piece of lawn furniture.

big john

I had 25% compression fractures of two vertebrae, don't remember which number, but I didn't miss any work as a car mechanic. I stopped riding for a while and when I resumed riding I didn't do club rides and took it easy for a few months. I didn't change my position and eventually went back to fast club rides. I don't think there is any permanent pain from that injury. It's been 14 years.

donheff

I had a compression fracture a few years back. I had to lay off everything for a while and then it got better. It hasn't effected my riding at all.

Random11

I'm no medical expert, but I think a more upright position puts more stress on your back, because any bumps/ vibrations are transmitted directly from your saddle up to your back. Leaning forward reduces that.

Iride01 

I know it's difficult to do, but don't worry till you encounter problems after getting back on the bike. Just expect the best outcome.

And if any physical therapy is recommended, do it.

pepperbelly

That is what I was thinking but I wanted to hear from others.

Carbonfiberboy 

I had a compression fracture decades ago. After it healed, it has given me no further trouble. I agree that the trad road position is better for your back. The more upright one is, the greater the stress on the vertebrae.

toyotus

An experienced physiotherapist is your best friend! Will help you ease the pain and to a better recovery.

zjrog

Physical Terrorists are your friend with back injuries in general.

I had a T9 burst fracture, from a bike wreck, that required fusion T7- T12 (2 rods and 10 screws, I'll spare the xrays!!!) Due to fears, it took a long time to get back on the bike in general. But my PT was very good at describing what I needed to do when I got back to the bike. I can ride 2 hours without pain in my back. I do prefer the roadbike to a MTB, but even the more upright ride of the MTB isn't that big of deal. Your mileage may very...

qcpmsame 

Compressed L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1, back in 1989, ended up with partial right leg paralysis from an impinged nerve. Had a two level PLIF in Jan 2004, pain is gone and leg nerve was freed up completely. I kept riding a drop air configuration and still do daily.

The two fusions and accompanying titanium hardware devices ( 2 rods, 4 screws, and two cages around the fusions) have never interfered with my cycling, or racing dirt bikes up until 2010. No x-rays shown here either, no-one wants to see that stuff, kind of ruins your appetite.

At 64yo now, if I was going to have problems they would have surfaced with all I have done. Worked as an on-site engineer in general contracting construction for 30+ years.

I'll second the finding a good PT, ask your ortho-, or neuro-, surgeon for a referral if you don't have, or can't find one. cycling actually relaxes my back muscles, and I try to maintain a good core strength program so that everything stays well supported.

Bestwishes on your recovery from the injury.

Bill

Climb14er

Freak bike accident, went off the back, landed on my sacrum. This was back in July 2012. Basically relearned how to walk, one step at a time. Fortunately I had no paralysis. However, even after rehabbing, stretching, soaking, and continuing exercise protocols, I'm pretty much in pain every day... stenosis and arthritis. I still ride twenty five miles at a session, down from forty. Walk five miles 4x a week. But afterwards, the pain comes in, and take either acetaminophen, ibuprofen or a 5mg oxy. Most times a beer to refresh. Accidents are a you know what... just keep up the exercising, good diet and a positive attitude. One day at a time.

Colorado Kid

I had my T-4 & T-5 cracked when a 16 year old started to play with his phone and drifted into the bike lane and hit me. That was 10+ years ago. I find as I get older, I needed a saddle with springs on it to ease the pain on rough roads. Brooks makes the best. I am pain free now.

pepperbelly

So far the discomfort has been easily handled with ibuprofen and alternating heat and cold.
2 more weeks and I’m free.