SI Joint Pain...Frustrated.

[daisylubob]

OK I know this has been discussed ad nauseum, but if anyone else has any tips, I would appreciate input.

To get to my point. I have had ongoing low back pain for close to a year, w/ it mainly occuring on the bike (road & mt). The pain starts approximately 12-20 into a ride, it originates in the low back/SI joint area, and progresses to my thighs and outer quads. At first I thought it was cramping. The pain gets to the point where I totally lose strength in my legs, and I can barely pedal. Once I am off the bike, it disappears within 5-15 mins. Very frustrating. I go to chiro regularly, she thinks it is coming from the neck area, as I have lost curve there. I went to a massage therapist who said I was very tight in the front-hip flexors, psoas, quads, IT band. Saw him 5x, no relief. My PCP recommeded PT, did 4 weeks 2x/week, they think it is the SI joint, hip girdle asymmetry (L is higher than R) and leg length discrepency (R is 1/4" shorter than L). I have lifts in my shoes, but not in my cycling shoes....yet. I have been doing more X training this winter, including yoga, Pilates, specific stretches for psoas/piriformis/quads/hammies, wtlifting, swimming, XC skiing, snowshoeing, and trainer about 1x/week. Also foam roller. Monday, I went for my 1st outdoor ride since November (live in Michigan), and had the exact same back pain . It was not as severe, and I could kind of fight it off, but nonetheless, it was present and irritating.

I am 5'6" 128# 50 yrs old, have been biking for 6 years. The medical 'experts' keep saying this took a long time to develop, it will take a long time to fix. Well, I don't have a long time, spring is coming! I am practically at my wits end. I feel as though I am running out of options, and would HATE to give up biking (I also do mtb racing). Would accupuncture be an option for this? I am willing to try anything at this point.

Thanks.
Janet

[TryingisDying]

Hmmmmmmmm.....wow i can understand why you are soooo frustrated. Have you tried PT yet? I did PT for some neck issues that were really irritated when I was riding. It did help alot. But that is different then what you had. There is a PT by me..I'm in Michigan that races Mt bikes...maybe she would have more knowledge of what you need. Im not sure where you live in MI..she is out of Commerce Twp.

[daisylubob]

I am in Traverse City. Did PT for 4 wks. thanks for your empathy, it sucks to get old

[KnottedYet]

Is there anything in this thread that might be useful for you? http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ghlight=sacrum

Did anyone look at you on the bike? If this is only happening on the bike, I'd suspect you are getting into posterior pelvic tilt and lumbar flexion on the bike beyond what your body is happy with. Fix the positioning and fix the bit of your spine that has been taking all the stress and ends up yelling on the bike, and all is good.

Pain is not a normal part of aging. It doesn't suck to get old, it sucks to be in bad positioning.

Can you get to Manistee? Sally Somsel PT Dip.MDT is there at West Short Medical Center 231-398-1166. If she's too far, maybe call her and ask if she can recommend someone who is a Cert MDT or Dip MDT closer to you.

[daisylubob]

I will read every word of that thread!
Yes I have had my road and mtb fitted at the bike shop where I bought them (the Specilaized Bdoy Geometry fit). They put some shims in my shoes, adjusted the saddle a bit. Other than that, the fit was good.
What is 'posterior pelvic tilt' and 'lumbar flexion' on the bike? Can it be remedied?
KnottedYet, I am glad you replied, you have a TON of knowledge!

[KnottedYet]

I just know enough to be dangerous...

(for example, I'm quite convinced that I know exactly what is going on with you and exactly why and exactly how to correct it... dangerous! Hubris! Run away!)

Bike shop fits are nice, but when you are having a medical problem it really helps to have a medical person check you over on the bike. Most PT's can see what your body is doing if you ride on a stand in their office until the pain starts, and they can see what needs help even if they don't know much about bikes.