Back Problems Anyone have any? Found any help?

[sdkx500]

I have had reocurring back problems and I have been laid up for a couple months now.  I didnt even crash (this time) I just started hurting sitting at my desk.  I was wondering if any of the rest of you have had any problems and if you found anything to help.  The doctors say I have degenerating disks.  Im only 31 and I dont want to give up riding.  Im starting physical therapy but am looking for any other help others have found.  

Thanks,
T

[Paul]

Chiropractor, I go once a month for an "alignment". Good stuff  

[gowen]

Chiropractor, I go once a month for an "alignment". Good stuff  

Bingo!

[Arigato]

I have degenerative disc disease as well (I'm 37).  The best thing you can do is a lot of cardio and lift weights; do a lot of abs and low back as well.  If you keep you bodyfat low and build up all the supporting muscles, you'll be able to ride.  Just make sure you start out  light, keep the reps between 10-15, and do at LEAST an hour of cardio 5 days a week.  I just got a 2003KX500 bored to 525 and ported with the suspension set up for me perfectly.  As long as my knee holds out starting it, my back has been fine.

[mikesmith]

I have a bad lower back from work and havent gone to a doctor (dont want surgery or to loose my job),I have good days and bad days.The bad days are from doing to much,or not sitting straight,or sitting to much,I have found what I can do or can do and pay for later!Streching and laying on a hard flat surface helps and if its real bad,ice,mucle rub and have my wife massage it, as a last resort advile or over the counter back pain pills.Rideing isnt a problem and even lifting weights helps,but I try not do use positions that dont support my back(like squats or standing bent over rows),but stretching is the best thing for me.Its up to you if you want to go to a doctor and have surgery,but I choose to live with some pain and be carefull in what I do and how I do it!

[sdkx500]

Thanks for all the tips.  I appreciate it.  I dont want to give up yet and sell the bike.  Plus i have new fresh top end.  

Thanks again,
T

[KXcam22]

SDKX,
  I think just about everyone has this issue.  Me Too!!  A great floor exercise I have found (after trying a zillion) is to lie on your side (body straight) propped up on your forearm with your weight on your feet and forearm. Then do side bends. Once a day for a few days makes a big difference.  I am also a fan of Chiropractors. I raced MX for 15 years and it took a bit of Chiro work to straighten me out. Cam.

[Rick]

A number of years ago, I injured my back at work, and was off work for an entire year.  Everyone wanted to do surgery.  NO THANKS.  A quick trip to the Chirppractor, and viola, good as new.  I don't go as often as Paul, but at least once every two months.  The guy I found is really into Sports Medicine, and provides support to all the football programs around here.  The best I have ever used.  Be careful, some folks think they can cure everything, and want you on a regiment a few times a week.  You'll have to find the balance for you needs.

Check around and find the same kind of doc I have in your area.  You will not be disappointed.

Rick

[Paul]

I get a trip a month per my insurance before it comes out of pocket. Might as well use 'em before you loose 'em  

[sdkx500]

Thanks for the tips!  I am trying everything to get back in order.  I even went to a accupuncturist and let them stick needles in me...... something about my chi.  I will do some research on chiro's in my area.  Thanks again for everyones input because as you know when your back hurts real bad.... you cant do much of anything.

[alan]

I guess I thought it was only broke down old far dirtriders that had all the back problems!
I have degenerating disks 5 in my neck and one in my low back and narrowing spinal canals, which has been causing numbness in my foot and hand. I had 4 MRI's and 6 weeks of physical therapy 3 times a week and I am now into my 4th week of going to the chiropractor 2 times a week. My doctor now wants me to go to a surgeon now and all I want to do is just ride!

I went out on my quad this past weekend and unfortunately I through my back out lifting a compressor to air up my trailer tires. So I figured what to hell and went riding anyway. WRONG!!! I am beginning to think that riding my quad may be worse for me than riding my KX.  All I know is I have been riding all my life and it is the one thing really love doing and I aint stopping now! I guess I could always put my KX motor in a wheel chair!

Alan

PS No old Jokes Paul!! Remember all of you will catch up with me someday!  

[KXcam22]

Alan,
  You're not alone in the group of broken down old guys. My boss loaned my some back books that were quite helpfull.  The theories are a bit radical (according to common back doctors) but are explained and actually helped me dramatically.  For example, one was to drink 3 liters of extra water a day. Sounded dumb to me but made a noticable difference!  I'll find the ISBN numbers and post. They might still be available. Cam.

[mikesmith]

Rideing my trials bike or my ATC standing up is harder on my back than a bike,maybe you should take both your quad and bike out and spend most of the time on the bike and just play on the quad.

[KXcam22]

Alan,
  This may be a dumb question but have you tried Glucosamine and MSM yet?  Does wonders for most people.  It works magic for my worn out knees!!  No more hobbling, limping and no constant pain.  I've been taking it for about 15 years.  For some it can take a few month to notice the benefits, for me it is about 3 days. Super cheap at Costco.  I started taking the MSM about 4 years ago and noticed another significant improvement on top of the Glucosamine.  I take 1500 MG of each a day.  Sorry to sound like a preacher but it was life changing for me to be able to kneel on the floor and play with the kids. Cam.

[mikesmith]

I used to take it,but havent in a while.Guess I should start.