I've been suffering with what I thought was a pulled shoulder muscle after moving house so as usual I just soldiered on with the "it'll get better" attitude. It's got steadily worse so at the start of Jan I got it looked at properly, and to cut a long story short after x rays and an MRI on monday I've got a damaged disc at C6 in my neck. It's causing lots of pain in my shoulder and down my right arm.
I've got a followup with the consultant tomorrow but I was wondering if anyone else had suffered similar and what you had done to put it right, also I've stayed off the bike and it's driving me mad.
Could I do it more harm by riding or could it help recovery by using it?
I would stay off the bike for now. depending on riding position but bikes usually force your back into a very unnatural shape.
i'm currently off work with muscular damage to my lower back, i thought i was all ok, went on a light ride Sunday now i'm worse than I was before, of to physio this afternoon as this time it really has given me a kick, honestly stay away from the bike, if you want to do anything to help go for slow walk and nothing more.
Iv got 3 damaged discs in my lower back, trapping a nerv in my leg.
The only thing that usually helps is a bike ride. I can't stant or walk for more than a few minutes but can ride trail centres & local trails totally forgetting about my back.
It's at it's worst at the moment so struggle to get on the bike but will ride on the weekend. I had this on & off for 15 years but only started riding to help it about 2 years ago.
But everyone is different and you could do more harm than good
Thanks guys
I think I'm probably doing the right thing by laying off the bike, as it really flared up after doing a long, wet, cold ride over the Purbecks. I woke that night like someone had stabbed me in the back where the trapezius had spasmed!!
It's just demoralising sitting here not being able to do anything for fear of making it worse.