Neck....again. Sigh

[Catrin]

My OD tells me he isn't sure that I should be riding at all. He is fine with my other activities, as long as I don't do any over-head lifting, which I don't attempt any longer. I've nerve entrapment issues in my cervical spine (along with a lot of other things), and it presents in odd ways. He doesn't like even an upright riding position. I am just venting, sort of. I've this lovely full custom bike in the back room and there is a chance I may not get to ride her again. Well, surely SHORT rides would still work. Of course, last year I couldn't ride more than 20-40 minutes at a time because of this very thing.

When I think of all of the crazy, intense things I CAN do with no physical consequences I want to go waaaaaaaaa, why can't I ride? Then again, I CAN do an awful lot that many can't with a bad cervical spine so I really can't complain. Also, I was finally getting to where I want to start riding again when he tells me this. Haruumph.

[Helene2013]

That is just a bummer. So that would mean you can never really ride a bike?

I know mine will say no more running because of knees issues. I keep trying, and I keep hurting. So I've learned to listen (cheat once in a while on treadmill but no more long stretches, just tiny steps running to avoid pounding. I find workarounds that satisfy me, and his recommendations.

Good luck. It sure sucks when you like an activity.

[Crankin]

That is terrible, Catrin. Of course, if it causes pain, you shouldn't do it, but I hate it when someone stops riding.
Are there any other options for second opinions?

[Catrin]

I've had several second opinions over the last 2.5 years, expensive second opinions. It isn't just the consequences/damage from major whiplash, it also the arthritis and bulging disk, and...and. I've had multiple, expensive, courses of physical therapy, ART, and other treatments. Also some of my shoulder and arm problems are actually from my neck. It could be a LOT worse!

Really, it isn't any worse than it has been over the last 2 years. I think I am just becoming more realistic. It is ironic that most of the crazy, intense workouts I do don't appear to have any impact - other than overhead lifting or front squats and I've given those up as neither my shoulder nor neck approves. Really, since the whiplash injury on the mountain bike trail the longest bike ride I've been able to tolerate has, maybe, been as long as 60-80 minutes - and THAT has only happened a couple of times - generally more like 20-40 minutes.

Does this mean I won't do short bike rides? Nah, but it does mean that it won't be the focus of an outing. Thankfully I can still trail run, so perhaps from time to time I can take my bike and enjoy a little spin afterwards. I had just kept hoping that things would just go away and they aren't.

All of that being said, I can't complain about my mobility level, and I am the most fit I've ever been in my life! If I could afford to see my OD more often then things would improve more - as much as they CAN. He's had more effect than anyone.

I also know that there are TE members who have had far more profound neck and spine issues, and I greatly appreciate the support and tips that have come to me since my injury. This is a great community and that has never changed in the years I've been here!

[Wahine]

((((Catrin))))

Here's a little something from the practitioners perspective. It's always a very difficult discussion to have with a patient when you have to tell them something they love is not likely to be that good for them. Keep in mind that we are trained to always think about the worst case scenarios and to recommend the cautious course of action. It comes from having the fear of malpractice driven into us.

Here's my philosophy, I try to explicitly explain to my clients what the worst potential consequences for their actions could be and what I estimate the probability of those consequences are. Then we discuss what the more common results of their actions may be and what the outcome of those results would likely entail. Then I try to help them weigh the pros and cons with special consideration of quality of life.

For example, I had a pro kayaker that suffered a very bad low back disc buldge, he was told by his surgeon that he should never boat again. The reality was that the sitting position in the boat was considered a position of vulnerability and he could further injure his lumbar discs just through regular boating, but the probability of irreversible damage that would impact his function could be lowered dramatically by adjusting his position and by having him do regular exercise. There was however the possibility of very serious injury, for eg paralysis if he chose to run high waterfalls and landed the wrong way. The probability of that was low, but the consequences high. We talked things through extensively and he continues to be a river guide as his profession, but he no longer runs big waterfalls.

The moral of the story is that nothing is black and white and there is often some middle ground that is pretty safe even if it's pretty painful at times. Really it comes down to your own choices in what you can deal with and what isn't worth it in terms of quality of life. But you can only make that choice when you have all the information.

Meanwhile, have you thought about a recumbent?

[OakLeaf]

Aw, Catrin, that stinks. Hugs to you.