Cycling has been GREAT for SI joint and sinus problems

Don't know if anybody who'll be reading has SI joint dysfunction, but it's pretty common so I wanted to say that cycling has really helped me out a lot. I (and lots of other people) have a problem with my hips and pelvis getting out of alignment and that messes up the SI joint and causes severe back pain. When my back goes out, it stays out. The chiropractor hasn't been able to help me or anything and it has lasted for several months at a time in the past. When I get on my bike and start riding, by the time I get to mile 5, something amazing happens. I get a pain in my hip joint - like the ball of my femur wants to pop right out of the socket. The pain gets more intense, then I feel a little "pop" and amazing relief. My back feels great again, and it stays great until I lift something heavy and get everything all out of whack again. I think everybody with SI joint dysfunction should try cycling - it's a miracle cure. It has worked for me every single time since I discovered it.

I also have chronic sinus problems and get frequent sinus headaches. My sinuses don't usually drain on their own - they just get more and more plugged until it feels like my head's going to explode and I finally take some medication. I hate taking medication. I was amazed when I started riding my road bike and had to start bringing a handkerchief. It will probably sound gross to people without the same problem - but I am so grateful when I have to blow my nose. I think it's the position and the vibration. Going over railroad tracks and bumps is intensely painful when my sinuses are clogged. I cringe and practically cry at first, but pretty soon the ol' sinuses open up and the snot just starts flowing like a faucet! :o

Just thought I'd share.

Stacy, look into a saline sinus rinsing system- they are readily available in drugstores now and I tell you this has really helped my clogged sinus problems like I can't believe. The 'Neti pot' is just one example but there are many types and brands. Cheap, natural, soothing, helpful. Amazing how much it can get in the deep sinus passageways and help clear them.

Hmmmmm.....interesting. You are right about the sinuses. I have chronic sinus conditions but after riding the bike for a while - especially when its a little chilly out there, drainage galore!!!!!:)

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Originally Posted by BleeckerSt_Girl

Stacy, look into a saline sinus rinsing system- they are readily available in drugstores now and I tell you this has really helped my clogged sinus problems like I can't believe. The 'Neti pot' is just one example but there are many types and brands. Cheap, natural, soothing, helpful. Amazing how much it can get in the deep sinus passageways and help clear them.

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I started flushing my sinuses 2-3 years ago and you're right - it helps a lot! I use a homemade saline solution and bulb thing (like for baby noses). What really works great is going on a long ride and then flushing!

Staceysue: Ditto, I get the same benefits from cycling, especially the sinus clearing. I have to be honest though and admit I don't bring a handkerchief or anything.. I just blow into the wind. It works quite well.:p

I have back issues too and for my lower back I have found riding helps. Being in that low position in the drops is kind of like being in traction.. it really stretches out my lower back and (knock wood) my back is much better than it used to be.

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Originally Posted by SLash

I have back issues too and for my lower back I have found riding helps. Being in that low position in the drops is kind of like being in traction.. it really stretches out my lower back and (knock wood) my back is much better than it used to be.

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Yeah - it seems like being in that position while exercising lines your body up symmetrically (sp?) and stretches everything out, pushes and pulls things back into alignment . . . .

Thanks for the comments about the SI Joint. I recently re-dislocated my SI joint and wondered if cycling (okay, spinning - it's still winter in MN) would help or hurt. Time to put on my workout clothes and hit the bike.

I have chronic SI joint dysfunction due to a cycling accident that fractured my pelvis in 2005. Unfortunately, cycling has the opposite effect on my pain as it does on staceysue's. Usually about 45-60 minutes into a ride, my right upper buttock and hip area starts aching, and the pain radiates down into my thigh. Getting off the bike and stretching helps for awhile, but inevitably the pain comes back, and I have to stop and stretch again. It doesn't keep me from cycling but is definitely annoying and has limited the distances I am willing to ride since my accident.

I have been to a couple of different docs and PTs with no real improvements yet, and the pain actually seems to be getting worse lately -- perhaps because of my various other activities too -- long hilly walks, jogging, weight training, pilates, or maybe just because I am getting older. I may have developed arthritis in the joint, which was a possible side effect of my injury and surgery.

From the reading I've done, there are different forms of SI joint dysfunction as the joint may be too tight/frozen or too lax, and it's possible that this may account for the difference in my experience vs. staceysue's. I honestly don't know exactly what the exact nature of my problem is (too tight, too loose, etc.)

I thought I was the only one who rode with a hanky (run with one, too). This is the primary purpose for my bento box. I often keep an inhaler in there, too.

People ask me why I don't just snot-rocket...but my nose just constantly flows and flows like a faucet. The few times I attempted to snot-rocket I ended up with a slimed shoulder. Decided that the hanky was less disgusting of the 2 options.

My SI joint is most probably the issue that has been going on with my hip for the last 2 years; running probably caused it, coupled with a lifestyle where I sit a lot more, when I am not exercising. I could deal with it until it started hurting when I rode, at the end of last season.
Been going to the MacKenzie PT, who manipulates and has given me exercises that have helped, but haven't "cured" the issue. I am now only going to see him when I feel I really need to be manipulated.
I have to say, today, when I stood up all day, made my back feel a lot better.

And zoom-zoom, you are not alone. I carry a soft bandanna on rides unless it's really warm (75+) and hikes/walks/runs too, when it's cool. My nose runs like a faucet! But I don't have sinus issues like the OP, just a runny nose when I am outside in cool/cold weather.

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Originally Posted by emily_in_nc

And zoom-zoom, you are not alone. I carry a soft bandanna on rides unless it's really warm (75+) and hikes/walks/runs too, when it's cool. My nose runs like a faucet! But I don't have sinus issues like the OP, just a runny nose when I am outside in cool/cold weather.

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I have sinus issues...but my hanky (I actually have about a half-dozen, so there is always a clean one) is useful in the Summer for sweat. I sweat like a horse year-round. :p

I know this topic has been quiet for a bit, but I am still pretty new to TE and just found it. It is very timely for me as I am currently going through the worst bout of SI joint pain I have had in years. I am on day 6 and can't even imagine swinging my leg high enough to get on my bike. But you can bet that as soon as I can, I will be out there doing some "cycling therapy." It is finally nice enough to ride (in the 40s and the snow/ice is gone, and the wind is not gusting at 40 mph), and it is sooo frustrating not to be able to get out there.

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Originally Posted by emily_in_nc

And zoom-zoom, you are not alone. I carry a soft bandanna on rides unless it's really warm (75+) and hikes/walks/runs too, when it's cool. My nose runs like a faucet! But I don't have sinus issues like the OP, just a runny nose when I am outside in cool/cold weather.

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I don't think that is at all unusual--I learned on winter hikes that it is really helpful to have a spare bandana as a "snot rag" (yes, that's what somebody in my group called it, and she recommended tying it to your backpack strap so it's easily accessible). I think everyone's nose runs when it's cold.

I have been known to leave wet spots on the ground as I walk away from my bike after a good ride- I almost always strip in the garage and then carry the soggy clothes and bandanas in a bucket while I walk through the house bare foot and buff to the shower.

there was an interesting article on bicycling.com about how the fitter you are, the more easily you sweat. Now we need a follow up article about how not only do you sweat more but your nose runs more, especially if you are a woman of a certain age. You should here the grayer women at the gym complain about always sweating and having a runny nose.

I usually ride with two cotton bandanas. One up each leg. By the end of the ride they are both usually saturated. I wipe my face with one and use it as a back up snot rag while the other is exclusively a snot rag.

I don't have sinus issues, but none of the wipe areas on my gloves is nearly big enough.

:)