My road to recovery

I am soooooo sorry for my absence of late, things got so crazy with coursework and inevitably, I cannot ride at the moment. I'm pretty sure I mentioned the back injury I sustained as a result of a car crash last November in a previous blog post, but it just hasn't gone away! So over the Easter holidays I tried doing a normal bout of training, several 50+ milers which I would never have a problem with normally. BUT, with all provoking long-term injuries, mine came back with vengeance. 

Maybe I was too soon to expect my body to be able to cope with the demands I put on it pre-accident, but I had the confidence to think my body would be able to withstand the miles. Within 10 miles on one particular ride, my back was aching from my neck down to my lumbar (lower) spine. I felt a dull, continuous pain which would become a sharper pain on every upward stroke of the pedal, making it extremely difficult when climbing hills. Luckily I knew this wasn't a normal 'warming up' or 'settling in' pain as a result of a break off the bike, this was my body urging me to stop. 

At this point, I felt defeated and angry at myself for having to turn around, 10 miles into a steady ride. By the time I was several miles from my house, I could barely hold my head up to look forward due to the pain travelling up my neck. I did not know this type of pain or fatigue, I was utterly in shock. Had I lost all my fitness? Would I ever be able to ride again?
The next few days were just as bad- I could not inhale without sharp pains around my rib cage. I was stuck inside due to the pain of moving, twisting and even breathing. I put the pain down to the intercostal (ribs) muscles being worked during the session, leading to the pain. 

I knew this wasn't like me and made another appointment with my GP. The Doctor told me that with whiplash, the extent of the injuries can flare up when they are put under strain and that I am likely to suffer for up to 18months. I can honestly say I had to fight back the tears at this point.. how do you sit there and accept that this accident can stop me from doing the one thing that I love?

I got referred to a physiotherapist who was really good, she is currently working with me to get me back on track. She advised that I stop riding (I know, I did well to not cry, unless it is a bike with a supportive back, such as those in a gym. So here I am, I've just bought a swimsuit and am going to start swimming as of this week! 

The accident took over my control of my life, which is why I am adamant to get fitter, stronger and healthier than I have been before. I think that swimming will be beneficial for stretching out my back whilst letting me relax and time out. As you can imagine, I am driving myself crazy not being able to ride. I've even doubted whether I will be capable of getting back out there on my own.. which is why I chose to regain my control and do the things that I can to achieve my goal of getting back on my bike.

Even if it takes months or even a year, I am determined to try everything I can to get back on my bike. So I think it would be beneficial for me to share my journey of recovery, with the aim that I will get back on the bike! So look out for weekly updates on my progress (sorry this was a long post- a lot has happened!) 

Feel free to comment below if you have been on a recent journey or have any tips :-) 

Cycling with back pain

I was so looking forward to getting a good block of training over the Easter holidays.. but this hasn't really happened. Although I have been on numerous rides, I had to cut several of the rides short due to agonising back pain! 
Last November, I was hit in a car crash from the rear on the way home after sitting my driving theory test (how ironic!) I went to hospital and the doctors for an examination and tablets, which they said should cover my pain until it stopped. How wrong was I to think that the pain would disappear after a few weeks!

I experienced awful pain and spasm in my lower/upper back and shoulders. I was forced to stop riding my bike for 3 months, along with my job until late January. During my time off, I just focused my energy on getting better and strengthening my back before I could even consider training again.
In February, I decided I had to start riding my bike again. I was having low moods and anxiety, I had to get back on my bike for my sanity and well-being. I began by doing a weekly core/strengthening class to work on strengthening my back and the muscles which support my back and core. When I was happy with my progress, I began by cycling an hour at a time when I felt good and my back wasn't too painful. I've had this back pain for 6 months, in which some days are worse than others. 

So, for those of you who also may suffer from neck or back pain on the bike, the following are the things that I do to help the pain. 

• Take anti-inflammatory tablets prior to a ride
• Take painkillers after a ride if you feel pain and soreness
• Have a warm bath.. I love coming home from a ride and running a nice bubbling bath to ease my back! (Radox muscle soak is especially good for sore muscles)
• Stretch-  Not only does this help the recovery and secretion of waste products, it also eases the stiffness in the muscles that can tighten during a ride
• Ibuprofen gel-  This gel can be bought in most stores and really helps to warm up the muscles and ease the soreness!

My advice would be to avoid staying off the bike too long, keep moving & listen to your body. Sounds cliche, but, when your back is feeling especially painful, it can be a sign to stop and rest. I always feel angry at myself for having to cut the ride short due to my back but I know it is the best thing for it. 

I'm also thinking about joining a yoga class to help my flexibility and tightness of my back. If you know of any classes around Swansea then please comment below :-)