Quote Originally Posted by OakLeaf View Post
Reading can definitely cause neck problems (at least, reading in an ordinary posture, with a book below eye level, using your hands to hold/turn pages/click page turn). It's one of the things I'm struggling with right now - there are so many things that aggravate my conditions, and reading is one of them. So don't be so quick to dismiss that bit of advice.
Quote Originally Posted by Catrin View Post
Reading can certainly cause neck problems if you are in the wrong position. Since my whiplash injury in the fall that has really been brought home to me. I enjoy reading, but position is all-important when you have neck problems. Sometimes I've had to put heat on my neck when I've read too long in a bad position (just the other day).
I think it was her advice to limit my reading or not read (rather than figure out how to maintain a good reading position) that got me. I found a book pillow from Levenger (which came in quite handy earlier this year when my neck was so messed up). Same with the cycling - rather than help me figure out how to challenge myself safely, she just told me not to do it.

I walked out feeling a little bit like I was going to need to just lock myself into a padded room in order to keep myself safe for the rest of my life. I know that's an exaggeration, but there is a great mindset difference between us (which is probably what makes her a great chiro in terms of treatment). I'm willing to look for safe ways of challenging myself, whereas she says, "Why even go there?" Her POV is to stay on a nice, narrow, padded path. Even if I eventually have to give up on a goal because of health issues, I'd like to be able to at least give it a shot.

You can certainly do longer rides, of course working intentionally, paying attention to your body (I can be very bad at this). Does your chiro understand cycling? Is it possible to find a PT who does? Just take things as they come and don't set hard-fast dates for now. I made that mistake my first year and wound up with a whole host of over-use injuries - but I wasn't very fit when I started. I tend to push myself too hard...
I don't think she does (understand cycling). I do have a friend who is a PT aide - the PT she works with was at one point an avid cyclist. I'm going to go there first. I will definitely take your advice on taking it slowly and intentionally. If I can't do it, or if it takes longer, then so be it. But I'd like to try.