[INTEGRATE]

Originally Posted by dsquare

I was fitted to my bike with the BG fit this year in July. The technician put shims under my right cleat since my right leg is 3/8-inches shorter than my left. Prior to the new fit, I was pain free for 2 years. After the fit, my average speed had increased so it did make a difference. I have been back to the LBS for minor fit adjustments. However, I developed debilitating back pain after long rides (>50 miles). It's not the lower back muscles but concentrated to the spine right about my tail bone. It feels like my hips can't support my weight and, ocassionally, I get siatica on both legs. The pain lasts for about 2-3 days and comes back after a long ride. The technician thinks I need a shorter stem but I don't think the stem is the cause. 1600mg ibuprofen is not doing anything to help. Any thoughts out here? Thanks in advance

I'd wait until after the MRI is reviewed, and any course of action (rehab, training, etc) is established before futzing with the stem. If you make changes now, and your posture changes in three months for the better, then you'll need another fitting.

[INTEGRATE]

If you're getting that kind of pain/discomfort post ride, if you're not already, I'd stay off the bike until the MRI/course of action is established as well.

Let your doc determine when/how much you can ride.

[dsquare]

I apologize for the lack of updates on this post. Due to dealing with a HMO and the holiday season, I got my MRI done on Dec 14th and I finally saw a back specialist physician today (Jan 17th). Of course, my lower back pain left about 2 weeks ago and the sciatica in both legs disappeared 3 days ago. The doctor initially thought that the root of my back pain was due to my spine adjusting to the shims on my right shoe. He drastically changed his mind after we looked at my MRI. It revealed that I had a ruptured disc on my L3-L4, very little disc left on my L4-L5, and formation of arthritis at L2-L5. The doctor said if I had seen him when I still had both pain and sciatica, he would have recommended surgery. I now have to wait for the next episode of pain and sciatica before he can get authorization for surgery. He still wanted me to take a "nerve test" (I don't know what that is) but I still have to wait until the doctor receives authorization from the HMO.

So that's where I'm at with this issue. Thanks to all of you for your suggestions.

[gavin374]

The "nerve test", or EMG, will test the conduction velocity of the nerves in the effected area. It should take about an hour or so and may be performed with patches on the skin or with very thin needles inserted into certain muscles. The doc just needs to figure out if there is any damage to the nerves caused by the damaged discs or arthritis in your lumbar.

[rola643]

Originally Posted by gavin374

The "nerve test", or EMG, will test the conduction velocity of the nerves in the effected area. It should take about an hour or so and may be performed with patches on the skin or with very thin needles inserted into certain muscles. The doc just needs to figure out if there is any damage to the nerves caused by the damaged discs or arthritis in your lumbar.

I had that done for lower back pain and I would rather suffer than go through that again What you say sounds extacly what my Doc was saying and thinking. I was given Meloxicam for that and they also thought Bursitis.

I was lucky. I got to the point at times I could hardly stand up without excruciating pain at times. I was given 6 weeks of P.T. and after 2 weeks of that my moblity started to come back quickly. I explained to them what I was doing, cycling and running, and they gave me a routine to stretch shortened muscles back out. I have never been better and continue those types of exercises almost every day now.

[robkyle]

I agree with Rola. As long as I do exercises to maintain a strong core I have absolutly no back issues. If I slack off on doing stomach crunches, etc. I will develop back spasms. One time it was so bad I missed almost three weeks of work. So I'd rather do core exercises and be pain free and fit.

[dsquare]

I also believe maintaining a strong core to minimize back injuries. I've had a bad back for over 20years. I been obsessive with crunches, push-ups, and weight training for years. The workouts have kept my back pain "controllable" but the current issue with my back was different. After talking with my back specialist (he's a neurological surgeon), he told me to get out of patrol work. I was happy he didn't tell me to get off the bike. I've had to give up running and riding my horses.
In dealing with my HMO, I now have to wait for authorization for the EMG. The doctor said it will take at least two weeks to hear from the HMO.