Cycling has been GREAT for SI joint and sinus problems

[staceysue]

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!

Just thought I'd share.

[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.

[Shaula]

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!!!!!

[staceysue]

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.

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!

[SLash]

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.

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.

[staceysue]

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.

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 . . . .

[yoganerd]

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.

[emily_in_nc]

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.)

[zoom-zoom]

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.

[Crankin]

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.

[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.