During a mountain bike race 25 years ago, I felt an odd pain in my lower back. It got worse as the race went on to the point that I stopped, got off my bike and walked to the finish. That was my last ‘real’ mountain bike race.
Since then I’ve had my back examined, x-rayed, massaged, poked, and looked at by many professionals who have all said the same thing,… It’s muscular. To me, it feels as if s disc slipped, herniated, or compressed to the point that the bones are rubbing.
Two years ago I slept on a very unsupportive bed overnight at Whistler. The next day on one of the first runs, I turned and my back didn’t follow through. A tightness surged up my lower back and tightened to the point I couldn’t walk. I made my way down the mountain and to the pharmacy where I purchased some muscle relaxers (Canada!). Back home, I went to the doctor and was referred to PT. This basically wiped me out for the entire season. My “sprain” kept me off the bike for a couple months and then eased back slowly. By then, all my races had run, and the big trips were over.
Last year we were introduced to the pandemic. I rode alone. I rode alone a lot. I got in great shape. I got sponsored. But the races didn’t happen. The big group rides were nonexistent. It was great to be in shape, but I had no where fun to go. Stay local.
This year it was time to come back. We’re still in a pandemic, but vaccines are happening. Small group rides have started. My fitness is better than it was at this time last year. I pushed it. I pushed hard. I threw out my back. Again. And here I am a week later contemplating going back to PT for them to tell me I need to be off my bike. Or I down some Advil and suffer, but get to ride. So torn. As I feel better (resting), I’ll sneeze and the pain is back.
Currently I’m typing and thinking about a quick road ride to see how I do. Do I risk it? Is the fitness worth it? I’ve been off my bike for almost a week and feel like a sloth. My new gear for this year is on the way and should arrive any day. My bike is a month old and filthy, but ready to roll. All I can think about is,.. does everyone deal with this? Is it more than just a muscle issue? Is there anything that can really be done to correct something that’s been ongoing for 25 years? What’s it all worth? Can I get a new lower back?