Absolutely Destroyed My Lower Back

[Ford Prefect]

So I decide to be rather stupid often enough, and today was one of those days. Last night, I decided to break the mountain bike out for its maiden voyage this season. It started raining as I was out, and I was on trails I'd never ridden before. I pushed it anyway... I came to a huge decline as I was flying. My momentum had me jump part of the way down, and when I landed I started sliding sideways on the newly formed mud. This sideways skid took me directly to a small pile of rocks where I was promptly ejected from the bike onto my back. That hurt my back. It wasn't that bad though. A few advil and some Formula 454 at night, and I felt alright enough to go to the gym this morning. Bad idea.

I'm nearly done with my workout and I had been taken it easy so as to not stress my back too much. I'm on my second to last set of pull throughs, when it wasn't even a pain... a sharp warmth spread the entire width of my lower back. It was like somebody had taken a hot pipe and hit me with it. I dropped what I was doing right away, stretched and skidaddled. I figured it would start hurting badly soon, and I was right. I can barely walk without pain now. I'm making appointments with sports medicine specialists now. I hope I didn't screw myself up too bad. Wish me luck.

[yu shan]

Smart thing going to the Doc. Request an xray you probably just need an adjustment. Good luck.

[Ford Prefect]

Thanks. I have X-rays and an appointment scheduled for tomorrow. I'm even having him look at my knees which I've been putting off for 5 years or so for fear of ligament damage requiring surgery. I figured while I'm there, I might as well have it checked out.

[Chief Fox]

First MTB ride of the year, it's raining, on a trail you've never ridden before and you catch air on a downhill? That's awesome. Bummer about the injury though. Hopefully all you need is some Icey Hot and a heating pad. Smart that you're getting checked out. You might as well get a rectal exam while you're at it.

Get well.

[Oso]

yea dude, i'm always real cautious on the first ride...make sure the reflexes are still there.

hope it isn't too bad. good luck.

[IronFist]

I hope you're ok, dude. Let us know how it turns out.

[FatherDog]

I hope you're ok, dude. Let us know how it turns out.

Yeah, ditto. Keep us appraised, Ford.

[Ford Prefect]

Thanks, guys. All went well today. Only a bad muscle strain. I'll do some PT, massage, and accupunture. I have to admit that I was a bit scared this time out.

The knee is what I always thought it was: just an illiotibial band thing. I always make sure to stretch it whenever I do leg work now, so I really haven't had any issues. No ligament damage at least.

[Chief Fox]

Well that's good news. I did some PT for IT band syndrom a few years back. I bet your knee will be fine in no time. So how was the rectal exam?

[Ford Prefect]

He refused even though I brought my own lube. Uppity doctors...

[yu shan]

Here here Ford, I had a feeling it wasnt anything too bad. I think there is something to be said about people who train and keep themselves in good shape. Got a feeling just an ordinary joe would have probably gotten busted up pretty good. My annual physical is in a week.

[IronFist]

Glad to hear you're ok, bro.

[rubthebuddha]

good news all around, except on the rectal. maybe you need to smack him on the bum next time first to liven things up a little?

[Ford Prefect]

Weird. I woke up this morning feeling really good. As the day went on, I felt better and better. Eventually I got to a point where my back feels better than it did for the last few weeks as it was very slightly tweaked. Then I went to PT and got some heat therapy and massage. I feel like a million bucks. 11 more visits of getting massaged.
Sweet.

It was kind of funny. The PT asked what I do for activities. After she got the speal, she asked me to describe exactly what I do in the gym. I rattled off a load of things and paused. She asked if that was for the whole week. I said "Nope. That's just Mmonday." haha.

One unfortunate thing is that the other day, the doc said my spine was "Great". Then after looking at a few more x-rays, said there was some irregularity between L5 and S1, but nothing at all to worry. Sure enough as I'm getting evaluated she pressed right in that spot which brought about a slight twinge and she said it felt strange. She then went on to say I should never deadlift or goodmorning again... lol! That's a little much, imo, but she did say that the damage would get worse with time with those types of stresses, which gave me some pause. So now I have to make an appointment with the main professional athletic doctor in town to get his opinion. Thank god for insurance.

[_William_]

Crap that sucks. I hope you get better soon Ford.