Herniated cervical disc and mtb'ing

[Iowagirl]

I have similar neck problems and have had good success with a nerve root block for pain. They are kind of tricky and I would only have it done at a center where they use X-Ray to hit the right spot because if they miss it's pretty much a waste of money and not a comfortable procedure either. I previously had a ruptured disc at C5-C6 and had a fusion and was able to continue biking for two years. However, continuing disk degeneration and cervical stenosis had pretty much made it impossible to ride last year. I had six months of relief from a nerve root block. I would think with the condition of your neck, you doctor would frown on your being on a MTB. Have you thought of turning things down a notch and going for a road bike before you are unable to ride at all? I didn't listen to the warnings they gave me, thought I was invincible, and am now paying the piper. BTW, the road bike I ride is more upright which also takes stress off my neck. Hope this helps. Just trying to tell you to listen to what your body is trying to tell you.

[invsblwmn]

Been there, doing that... C2-5 all confirmed herniated since 1992. Numbness on and off in both hands, still was riding MTB and commuting daily on the road bike until my accident last September. Just need to listen to your body. Make sure you keep up with stomach strengthening to keep it equal to back. Follow your doc's advice. Good luck.

[tulip]

I've not been diagnosed with neck problems, but with hip and lower back problems. Holding myself funny in response to my hip/lower back did result in pain in my neck (which is a real pain in the neck!). My chiropractor suggested pilates to strengthen my core to better support my whole spine. It has helped tremendously. I started very slowly with a very good pilates teacher. I sought out a true pilates studio where they only do pilates and cater to dancers because I've had some bad experiences in gyms with pilates-type classes that are not real pilates.

It might not be all you need, but it might help. I hope you feel better soon.

[Dogmama]

I've not been diagnosed with neck problems, but with hip and lower back problems. Holding myself funny in response to my hip/lower back did result in pain in my neck (which is a real pain in the neck!). My chiropractor suggested pilates to strengthen my core to better support my whole spine. It has helped tremendously. I started very slowly with a very good pilates teacher. I sought out a true pilates studio where they only do pilates and cater to dancers because I've had some bad experiences in gyms with pilates-type classes that are not real pilates.

It might not be all you need, but it might help. I hope you feel better soon.

Lower back & neck pain tend to go together. I'm having lower back problems and am doing the same pilates - in a studio with a teacher & the equipment - not a mat class with 50 others. So far, so good. Have also had epidural steroid injections that didn't do much good. Pilates & massage help.