[Mr. Gantlet]

Many of you probably dont hit as many pot holes as I do in my daily riding around Manhattan NY.
I was unable to ride for over 2 years because of what I think is my sciatia nerve.
do any of you do or know of things that might help protect the back while riding on bumpy roads?
I already put risers on my bar and set the rear shocks to the lightest.
its almost like riding on rail road tracks around here.

Tom

 

[RARVTX]

Good combination of drugs....seriously! Talk with your doctor.

 

[Tommy Kelly]

rough riding

Sounds like you need to leave NY. and go for a trip on the bike like cross country. Sounds like a good excuse for a road trip. I would try it anyway.

 

[BigPapaVTX]

I have had a bad back in the past and I bought a back brace designed for bikes.

http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/phy ... rcycle.htm


Let me know what size and I will cut you a great deal on the one I have if it is the size you need. I bought it, used it a couple times and it was too large. My buddy decided he wanted it so I just ordered the right size and then he decided he didn't want it which means I am stuck with it.

 

[Mr. Gantlet]

Re: rough riding

Sounds like you need to leave NY. and go for a trip on the bike like cross country. Sounds like a good excuse for a road trip. I would try it anyway.

that would be nice. It has always been a dream of mine to travel cross country even if its in a RV lol.

I was just wondering if anyone wore some kind of back support or sat a certain way to help prevent more damage. but i guess no one has bumpy roads like me . the roads are always smoothest on the other side.

Tom
getting ready to ride the rail road tracks again.

 

[retrobabe]

Many of you probably dont hit as many pot holes as I do in my daily riding around Manhattan NY.
I was unable to ride for over 2 years because of what I think is my sciatia nerve.
do any of you do or know of things that might help protect the back while riding on bumpy roads?
I already put risers on my bar and set the rear shocks to the lightest.
its almost like riding on rail road tracks around here.

Tom

I hate to bring this up, but do you have a large stomach?When I was pregnant I had bachaches every time I rode with my husband. Just a thought.
Lisa

 

[cantride4crap]

I feel for you brother, I rode in New York for years, and I know what all those bumps feel like. Fortunately, I no longer live there and deal with that. I wrote the same question on a forum years ago, and someone suggested a get one of those dual sport bikes.
Setting the rear shock helped, but, you've already done that. The only other thing I can suggest is someone makes a band that goes around the small of your back to give you support. I'm sorry I can't remember what it called, but I saw it reviewed in a bike mag, and it was said to help.
Maybe someone on the forum can come up with a name.

 

[singlepin]

Lower back and abdominal exercises do help A LOT! They will take some time to take effect, as you build the necessary muscle. Less weight certainly helps. As much as I hate to say it, a different, non-cruiser bike would probably be a help, too. Taller bikes with more suspension travel dampen the bumps in the road better. If a bike swap is not in your future, perhaps a good progressive suspension upgrade would help.

Hope you can get some relief.

 

[cantride4crap]

Just found a link and a review. It's called Back A Line.

http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/pr ... =BACKALINE

 

[Tin_Can_Terminator]

Lower back and abdominal exercises do help A LOT! They will take some time to take effect, as you build the necessary muscle. Less weight certainly helps.

Hope you can get some relief.

HUGE +1 Excercise and proper back and glute stretching will do tons!

Drugs will help short term but if you want to rid yourself of the pain for good. STRETCH !!

Go see a physical terrorist, I mean therapist, and learn proper form.

TCT

 

[gettyupgodaddy]

Many of you probably dont hit as many pot holes as I do in my daily riding around Manhattan NY.
I was unable to ride for over 2 years because of what I think is my sciatia nerve.
do any of you do or know of things that might help protect the back while riding on bumpy roads?
I already put risers on my bar and set the rear shocks to the lightest.
its almost like riding on rail road tracks around here.

Tom

om 65 yrs old and a bad back, two surgerys.......this is on my 1800R, you could do about the same on your 1300 if you dont need the back seat

 

[BigVTXMan]

Two Questions for you:

1. Do you have a drivers backrest?

2. Do you have stock suspension?

I can only ride about 45 minutes without pain, without my drivers backrest. With it, I can go all day.

The stock suspension on my 1800 killed my back. Every time I went over a sharp bump I got a shooting pain up my spine. Progessive 440 shocks and Progressive springs in front solved that problem.

-S

 

[Yoidaho]

Hey Tom---you say you're aging, (43 is not old life begins in the forty's) it's never to late to start to heal yourself. I just read your diabetes web site so you know what is best for you---so I can delete some of the words I wrote first out of the shoot---
but I'll share my 2 cents---I've helped many people with sciatic nerve pain over the past nine years,(had it myself) there are some good techniques used by qualified body workers be it PT or a massage therapist that works with the muscles. It's not only your sciatic nerve, it's the legs muscles, gluets, stomach and lower back muscles that are working against you. Pot holes can remind you that you are feeling old, but rather than drugs or surgery--see where you can make a some lifestyle changes that will make a difference for the long haul. If you'd like some tips on locating a good therapist let me know. Life out west is good but we have our share of pot holes too!
PS the belt may a temporary help, a change in seating would do you good for sure.

 

[Denden]

do any of you do or know of things that might help protect the back while riding on bumpy roads?
I already put risers on my bar and set the rear shocks to the lightest.
its almost like riding on rail road tracks around here.

Tom

Depending on your weight, setting the shocks on the lightest setting might be causing your suspension to bottom out. Probably for sure unless you are a real light weight...130 lbs or less. When that happens, you will get a sharp jolt to your spine. You might try setting your shocks to a higher number...you're on "1" now (the lightest setting), give it a try setting it to 2 and then 3. It might feel a little stiffer at first, but might avoid the sharp jolts you feel when the suspension runs out of movement.
Also, I have a bad back, and could not ride for very long if I didn't have a backrest. Actually, I have the Ultimate lowrider seat with backrest, and it made all the difference in the world, as far as comfort and how many hours I could spend in the saddle.
Just for comparison...I'm 5'10", 225 lbs (and type 2 diabetic). I set my shocks on "3", any less and it bottoms out with a harsh jolt.
Progressive Suspension fork springs will hlep smooth out the ride, too. It made a good difference in mine, not very expensive and easy to change.

 

[Mr. Gantlet]

I have had a bad back in the past and I bought a back brace designed for bikes.

http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/phy ... rcycle.htm


Let me know what size and I will cut you a great deal on the one I have if it is the size you need. I bought it, used it a couple times and it was too large. My buddy decided he wanted it so I just ordered the right size and then he decided he didn't want it which means I am stuck with it.

What size? is blond biker going to see this? . but seriously. I do think I should get something like and will try on a few. I will let you know.. thanks

Tom

 

[Mr. Gantlet]

I hate to bring this up, but do you have a large stomach?When I was pregnant I had bachaches every time I rode with my husband. Just a thought.
Lisa[/quote]


I am feeling great these days just looking to avoid future problems.
I was watching FIT TV the other day and a professional Trainer was workign with a wind surfer that was in his 40's and very much in shape.
all the bouncing in the water over the years really did a number on his back. The riding I do feels very much like that. After you experience pain like I have during the last 2 - 2 1/2 years its something to think about. I think its something for all bikers to think about that ride a lot on bumpy roads.

Tom

 

[Mr. Gantlet]

I feel for you brother, I rode in New York for years, and I know what all those bumps feel like. Fortunately, I no longer live there and deal with that. I wrote the same question on a forum years ago, and someone suggested a get one of those dual sport bikes.
Setting the rear shock helped, but, you've already done that. The only other thing I can suggest is someone makes a band that goes around the small of your back to give you support. I'm sorry I can't remember what it called, but I saw it reviewed in a bike mag, and it was said to help.
Maybe someone on the forum can come up with a name.

i think i know what you are talking about.. sorta like a lumbar support that you would wear under the shirt? I usuallyride around holding my gut in - its a good excuse anyway .

 

[Mr. Gantlet]

Lower back and abdominal exercises do help A LOT! They will take some time to take effect, as you build the necessary muscle. Less weight certainly helps. As much as I hate to say it, a different, non-cruiser bike would probably be a help, too. Taller bikes with more suspension travel dampen the bumps in the road better. If a bike swap is not in your future, perhaps a good progressive suspension upgrade would help.

Hope you can get some relief.

I cant see getting another bike. I love this VTX more than anything. I did think about it but it would be hard to do. if i ever did get another bike it would probably be the first bike I thought about getting a 750 night hawk but I dont think they make that any more. I dont get out of manhattan that much but when I do the vtx is the only bike for me. I dont have long legs but still on long rides I can change sitting position by sitting a little on the back seat.

 

[Mr. Gantlet]

Two Questions for you:

1. Do you have a drivers backrest?

2. Do you have stock suspension?

I can only ride about 45 minutes without pain, without my drivers backrest. With it, I can go all day.

The stock suspension on my 1800 killed my back. Every time I went over a sharp bump I got a shooting pain up my spine. Progessive 440 shocks and Progressive springs in front solved that problem.

-S

I guess the progressive shocks will be in my future. I might wait until the ones Ihave need to be replaced. I have to see how much they cost and if i can install them myself. I still dont even have a summer helmet lol.. any idea what its like to be stopped at red light after red light on days in the 90's lol. as long as i keep moving tho the Arai full face does breathe fine.

Tom

 

[Mr. Gantlet]

Hey Tom---you say you're aging, (43 is not old life begins in the forty's) it's never to late to start to heal yourself. I just read your diabetes web site so you know what is best for you---so I can delete some of the words I wrote first out of the shoot---
but I'll share my 2 cents---I've helped many people with sciatic nerve pain over the past nine years,(had it myself) there are some good techniques used by qualified body workers be it PT or a massage therapist that works with the muscles. It's not only your sciatic nerve, it's the legs muscles, gluets, stomach and lower back muscles that are working against you. Pot holes can remind you that you are feeling old, but rather than drugs or surgery--see where you can make a some lifestyle changes that will make a difference for the long haul. If you'd like some tips on locating a good therapist let me know. Life out west is good but we have our share of pot holes too!
PS the belt may a temporary help, a change in seating would do you good for sure.

your post is soo soo right. I have been trying my best to wake up an hour ealier to make sure I get some cardio in and dont spend as much time at the computer as I once did. actually I think what first hurt my back was working out on my funtional trainer and doing to many advanced exercises before my body was ready and a couple of days after building a raised garden in my back yard is when I ended up on my back.
its been a few months now since I felt any pain. funny that I started to feel good just about the same time posion helped me get my bike running again. I wanted to make these replies the other day but after doing all the photo editing for my job and creating presentations I didnt want to sit at the computer any more. I know look at it as if its my enemy if i sit down to long. I believe my leg muscles have gotten shorter and they are whats pulling on my sciatica. I also may suffer from something diabetes related which in simple eglish means the space between the nerves and the bone is smaller and I am more likely to have this happen. but yes avoiding that type of pain does help motivated me to being healthier.