My first post - looking for back pain advice

[Miranda]

Welcome to TE! So sorry to hear about your pain issues! Oh, I totally get it though, been there in so many areas of what you are posting...

OK, do make sure you are happy with your PT. If you don't like the first one you see, request another--better yet if a sports specific one. A great PT can teach you much. Here is my spin on your situation... I woud think part of your issue is body mechanics compensating to the old injury you mention. I have some of the same (plus a book report of other junk I'll skip for now)...

What the PT can tell you is if your body has learned to over-compensate from the old injury. Without us even realizing it, this can happen. Affects SO much.

I modify my rides all the time. If it hurts, stop... and do whatever does not!

Maybe some cross training in the pool could help tide you over under the spin issues get worked out? If you have one available. My PTs were always big on the pool. You don't even have to be a lap swimmer... just walking in the water is working it my PT told me.

I know what you mean about loving Spinning. I'm a certified Spinning instructor through MDA, besides road cycling and mtb. Pedaling is my passion lol. Well, and I'm learning to love the pool per my PT's advice .

I hope you find some resolve soon!

[grey]

Back pain is indeed, the worst. I have been knocked out of the season this year because I had a back muscle go into spasm, it spasmed for so long that it caused MORE problems. I'm happy to report I am able to take short 6-mile rides now.

Stretching is BIG. I am learning it is the most important thing for me to do. Sitting is bad. I'm looking to start pilates (my husband, a tennis player, is thinking he wants to join too) to see if this helps me as well.

I've also ramped up my core strength.

This may sound odd, but there is some science behind it: For inflammation, take a few capsules filled with Turmeric powder (yes, the spice). You'll feel a difference within 30 minutes. It has worked so well with me we started giving it to our older dog, who has hip problems. She's back to running around and enjoying life a little more.

Good luck, I hope you feel better soon. Maybe just rest it for a while - take a week off from spin class, focus on more stretches, and see if it improves.

[e.e.cummings]

Double-ditto for pilates - I have had back problems on and off for years, and I find developing a strong core is what helps the most.

[daisylubob]

OK. I have been dealing w/ low back pain ALL race season, starting in mid-April. It has really affected both my road and mtb riding negatively,as the pain was just relentless. I was just referred to a guy who does ART, Active Release Technique.
http://www.activerelease.com/what_patients.asp

I have had 3 sessions so far. They are PAINFUL but hopefully effective. My last race is 11/7, so I will find out then. He thinks my LBP stems from being tight in the front, tight hip flexors, abs, psoas, quads. I mainly bike which keeps me forward, and then I sit in front of a computer at work all day, which also is a forward posture. Stretch your front out as much as you can, hopefull you can get some relief.