Lower back pain

[V12man]

I've been down this road for the past 3 months, and can share my experiences. What started out as a sore lower back ended up in a herniated disc at L5, and as I found out afterwards my core was rock solid, but my lower back muscles were virtually non-existent. Cycling leads to a weak lower back, simply because of the position we ride in. Muscles that are extended (stretched) for long periods end up being over-elastic and weaker, which is what happens to the lower back if we don't cross train adequately.

 

Core exercises are sadly not the only fix, as most mtb riders have pretty strong cores (dirt roadies excluded).  I've been following a program of specific lower back exercises (while still maintaining the core), and I can now actually feel my lower back muscles. It's still early days for my disc injury, but I think I'm on the right track for the longer term.

I don't separate out lower back from core - can't be strong in the one without the other at all (kind of a minor thing )

 

It's enlightening to watch Nino' Schurters gym program on youtube to see how his core(inc lower back) gets a workout - I suspect that I might hurt myself doing some of those exercises - he has a proper strong core.

[AlanD]

You will need to get a referral to most x-ray practices - and your chiro is NOT the right person to do diagnosis - leave that to the radiologist.

 

You should probably consider a consult with a good Neurosurgeon that specialises in back issues = Dr Schalk Burger at Wilgeheuwel is a good start.

So could I get a referral to get an x-ray done from the Chiro and then the radiologist does the diagnosis and if there is anything serious, consult a Neurosurgeon? Just trying to save some cash here as specialists are expensive for a consult. 

[V12man]

So could I get a referral to get an x-ray done from the Chiro and then the radiologist does the diagnosis and if there is anything serious, consult a Neurosurgeon? Just trying to save some cash here as specialists are expensive for a consult. 

Me - I would just start with the Neuro - he will do a history, a physical and then decide what additional things he needs to give a diagnosis and recommend a treatment.

 

Understand that - as with many medical things - EARLY correct diagnosis and proper treatment generally have significantly improved outcomes than later treatments. Chances are that early treatment will be very conservative rather than surgical - but this is not something to take a chance on.

 

And as an older father (50+) with young kids I will tell you this - Get your back sorted properly as early as possible - kids are hell on backs... a nightmare.... goedkoop is duurkoop and all that...  under no circumstances should you let it get worse before proper treatment.

[GrahamS2]

I don't separate out lower back from core - can't be strong in the one without the other at all (kind of a minor thing )

 

It's enlightening to watch Nino' Schurters gym program on youtube to see how his core(inc lower back) gets a workout - I suspect that I might hurt myself doing some of those exercises - he has a proper strong core.

I do, as it's exactly what led to my injury. I was quite shocked how strong my core was and how underdeveloped my lower back was. But I was totally unaware of this until a the chiro highlighted it and gave me strengthening exercises (and I tore a disc... ). Quite a common issue with cyclists apparently. I suspect I was also doing core work incorrectly.

[AlanD]

Me - I would just start with the Neuro - he will do a history, a physical and then decide what additional things he needs to give a diagnosis and recommend a treatment.

 

Understand that - as with many medical things - EARLY correct diagnosis and proper treatment generally have significantly improved outcomes than later treatments. Chances are that early treatment will be very conservative rather than surgical - but this is not something to take a chance on.

 

And as an older father (50+) with young kids I will tell you this - Get your back sorted properly as early as possible - kids are hell on backs... a nightmare.... goedkoop is duurkoop and all that...  under no circumstances should you let it get worse before proper treatment.

I hear what you are saying. I have a toddler and now three month old and they (more the toddler) taxing on the back.

 

I just don't want the Doc to say surgery is needed just to have surgery, know what I mean? I will take you advice and go to a specialist as I don't want any major complications later on in life.

[V12man]

 

I just don't want the Doc to say surgery is needed just to have surgery, know what I mean?

If they have any ethics at all, they won't do that - unless it's the required treatment - just make sure whomever you see knows that you are willing to put effort into conservative treatments as a preferred route.

[AlanD]

If they have any ethics at all, they won't do that - unless it's the required treatment - just make sure whomever you see knows that you are willing to put effort into conservative treatments as a preferred route.

Ok great. Sorry but have another question: Why a neurosurgeon? Don't they primarily deal with the nervous system? What if it's a disk issue? Any doctors that are known to first advise the conservative route in Gauteng? That's more like 4 questions..

[EmptyB]

Me - I would just start with the Neuro - he will do a history, a physical and then decide what additional things he needs to give a diagnosis and recommend a treatment.

 

Understand that - as with many medical things - EARLY correct diagnosis and proper treatment generally have significantly improved outcomes than later treatments. Chances are that early treatment will be very conservative rather than surgical - but this is not something to take a chance on.

 

And as an older father (50+) with young kids I will tell you this - Get your back sorted properly as early as possible - kids are hell on backs... a nightmare.... goedkoop is duurkoop and all that...  under no circumstances should you let it get worse before proper treatment.

 

So interesting you say this. My son has just turned 5 and I'm sure the little bugger is half my problem.

 

Just lately (last few months) he always wants to sit on my shoulders....seriously, I spend half my weekend running around with him on my shoulders!! Especially at shopping centres when he gets sick of walking.

 

I'm almost sure this is a contributing factor

[Prince]

Had three L discs pop out at the end of 2014. Docs said I had very weak core muscles and so have been doing core training ever since as well as a visit to physio every 6 weeks to loosen up back muscles.

[V12man]

So interesting you say this. My son has just turned 5 and I'm sure the little bugger is half my problem.

 

Just lately (last few months) he always wants to sit on my shoulders....seriously, I spend half my weekend running around with him on my shoulders!! Especially at shopping centres when he gets sick of walking.

 

I'm almost sure this is a contributing factor

Definitely a contributor - but hard to wean him off the habit... I let my 6y/o ride on the front of a shopping trolley (probably not the greatest idea either) rather than hitch a lift on my back.

[V12man]

Ok great. Sorry but have another question: Why a neurosurgeon? Don't they primarily deal with the nervous system? What if it's a disk issue? Any doctors that are known to first advise the conservative route in Gauteng? That's more like 4 questions..

There is some overlap with orthopedics guys regarding backs - and ultimately your pain would be caused by a nerve. Neuro's are pretty likely to be conservative as a generalized rule (i.e. the rule is 80% wrong, and as likely as orthos to be conservative) - so if it's a disc issue, it depends on the location and severity of the prolapse and what it's pushing on - minor prolapse might respond well to rest and physio, nsaids etc, and a more major one might need clipping or some additional space made around the nerve root, or some combination of those, and a very majorly deteriorating disc might need a fusion or replacement - and it's really difficult to give an answer on what might be the issue or the solution - I did however suggest a name... one I have sent friends too, which is always risky, because you might land up without a friend if it goes pear shaped.

[EmptyB]

Definitely a contributor - but hard to wean him off the habit... I let my 6y/o ride on the front of a shopping trolley (probably not the greatest idea either) rather than hitch a lift on my back.

 

I try my best to get him in the trolley....oh how I wish he would!

 

So, long story short...you suggest Dr Burger at Wilgeheuwel to prevent things from deteriorating further? IE, Finding the proximate cause of the pain?

 

Sorry for all the questions......

[V12man]

I try my best to get him in the trolley....oh how I wish he would!

 

So, long story short...you suggest Dr Burger at Wilgeheuwel to prevent things from deteriorating further? IE, Finding the proximate cause of the pain?

 

Sorry for all the questions......

I let him stand on the front of the trolley.... and hang on - NFW will he get inside... (woolies trolleys have instruction picture where to NOT let them stand, but I regarded it as a hint... )

 

Schalk's practice is pretty specialized in back issues - either him or his partner - whomever you can get an app with first - like I say - I send my friends to him - there are other similar practices around that I don't know much about unfortunately - there may well be someone closer to home for you, and your GP may have a recommendation.

[GrahamS2]

Please share that lower back program.

Mostly centres around the Mckenzie movements. http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/pain-relief-mckenzie-treatment 

[EmptyB]

I let him stand on the front of the trolley.... and hang on - NFW will he get inside... (woolies trolleys have instruction picture where to NOT let them stand, but I regarded it as a hint... )

 

Schalk's practice is pretty specialized in back issues - either him or his partner - whomever you can get an app with first - like I say - I send my friends to him - there are other similar practices around that I don't know much about unfortunately - there may well be someone closer to home for you, and your GP may have a recommendation.

 

Thanks for the good laugh!!

 

I'll give my GP a ring too....or go see her (about my saddle sores). Geez, I'm falling apart here!

 

Anyway, she's at NHC by Eagle Canyon just up the drag from me and so is Wilgeheuwel so all very handy. Thanks again for the info....very interesting and helpful

[AlanD]

I try my best to get him in the trolley....oh how I wish he would!

 

So, long story short...you suggest Dr Burger at Wilgeheuwel to prevent things from deteriorating further? IE, Finding the proximate cause of the pain?

 

Sorry for all the questions......

Lol..glad I am not the only asking so many questions . My toddler also asks me a lot to put her on my shoulders and walk around. She is now learning to potty train and when she goes to the loo she then likes to leave her brookies off and run around nude...and then ask me to lift her on my shoulders...