Suggestions for tailbone/lower back pain | GTAMotorcycle.com

Suggestions for tailbone/lower back pain

Buddhacide

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Hi all. Sorry if this has been done before, i searched but didnt come up with anything. I had a bit of a fall (down my stairs) in July and broke my tailbone. The doctors said it was a minor break and that it would take 4-6 weeks to heal, but its now Dec and I'm still in a lot of discomfort. Around Sept after a good prognosis from my doctor, I got back on my bike and rode casually for a few weeks - until I tweaked something going up pottery road and basically could not do anything but lay down for several weeks after. To this day I cant even really sit comfortably in a car or anywhere confined for very long. Anyway, I'm becoming concerned this could be a long term problem and my biggest fear is not being able to ride my bike anymore. I just want to know if anyone has any experience with this - any equipment that can be used, whether changing style of bike helps significantly (I ride a cruiser, which I know is not ideal), or whether you have had a similar experience that affected your riding and how it turned out. Last season was a depressing bust, and I'm really eager to get back in the saddle for spring. Thanks.
 
You can get these donut type inflatable things that you place under your tailbone area and they help to alleviate the pressure on the tailbone area. They sell them at Canadian Tire.

Otherwise, with the limited amount of detail you've given (and not that you could go into serious detail here anyways), have you thought about seeing an Osteopath. They can do a detailed assessment - more of the mechanics of your pelvic area and see if the tailbone has been re-injured or if other things are starting to compensate as a result of the tailbone issue. They can also help to realign the pelvis using really gentle soft tissue work. My partner is an Osteopath although way out in Mississauga, but she might be able to find a suitable therapist to refer you to closer to you. PM if needed.

On a similar note, my brother had serious residual back injury after a t-bone collision. He also rides a cruiser and couldn't be on his bike for more than 20 minutes for about 4-5years. He went through slow and persistent strength training to strengthen the surrounding area and is in much better form now.
 
There are many things I can suggest, having been through a back injury and surgery myself. I struggled alot through my mid to late 20s up to the point I really couldn't walk anymore and had no nerve function in my right leg :( I am now in my early thirties and still maintain a labour intensive job as an electrician.

This was not a tailbone issue though, but a disc issue, but I am sure you have some similar pains.
The best advice is to never give up and keep hounding your Dr, or go get another opinion from another Dr or spinal specialist (orthopedic, osteopath). A family Dr is pretty useless for these type of injuries.

A cruiser might not be so ideal for you with the upright position puts more stress on you lower back when you go over bumps and such. I would suggest more of a standard bike where you are leaning forward a little more than a cruiser (monster, street triple, and similar japanese makes). This puts a bit more pressure on your legs and arms instead.

Also try getting a more cushiony seat or gel seat. I have dainese shorts with tailbone protector which might help you as well.

The key is to try a lot of conservative therapies (accupuncture, chiro, massage and most importantly constant physio and stretching) Make the stretching and physio a good habit from now on. I also invested in a dr ho tens unit which really helps with the stiff muscles. For the really bad days, have some good perscription anti-inflammatories but don't rely on them too much :)

At the end of the day you will probably never be 100% again, but you can be 99% with alot of work. Best of luck with your injury, I know it can suck.
Surgery was a blessing for me and I can ride all day on my monster if I really wanted to. Surgery is not really an option for you though. Although my issue was different than yours, it's still a back injury which can be very frustrating.
Never give up and keep riding :)
 
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nothing for tailbone but grin and bear it. broke mine in a crash 5-6 years ago, cant sit on a wood chair for more than 5min.
 
Thanks for sharing guys. Shane, I have not had any luck with the donut or wedge pillows at work, so I'm skeptical it would work on the bike. The core training is what I need to keep up with. Ive always been unfit in my midsection, from what people are saying this is probably a root of the problem. That's somewhat comforting actually that your brother eventually got better. Say hi to him for me by the way. Not sure if he remembers me from the 55 shaw days. I did actually go to an Osteopath but was not impressed with the experience (for many reasons). I definitely didn't feel any better afterwards. I have wanted to look at massage therapy. I'll even try acupuncture at this point. For some reason my computer wont let me make paragraphs on this forum, so I apologize for that. Diesellxx I'm going to look into those seats. I'm apprehensive about them because after market seats are so pricey. If I buy one that doesn't help I'll be wasting a ton of money. Cheers.
 
GTAM would be the last place where I'd be seeking a medical help .... It's a risky place, even asking just about oil change ... LOL ..., forget your body related question.

Have you gone back to see a doctor/specialist after the ride you suspect caused the tweak and pain??
 
My intention was not to ask for medical advice. I just want to know how other riders manage. What sort of devices might exist, that sort of thing. Ughh - this is frustrating this forum wont let me use my "enter" key to make a new paragraph. - I have not been back to the fracture clinic. That was some time ago now, and at the time I thought maybe I just got back on the horse too soon. Now that its December I'm starting to look at going back to the specialists etc...But you are right, I don't want to focus on medical advice. I'm really more interested in peoples experience with switching styles of bike, seats etc......
 
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My intention was not to ask for medical advice. I just want to know how other riders manage. What sort of devices might exist, that sort of thing. Ughh - this is frustrating this forum wont let me use my "enter" key to make a new paragraph. - I have not been back to the fracture clinic. That was some time ago now, and at the time I thought maybe I just got back on the horse too soon. Now that its December I'm starting to look at going back to the specialists etc...But you are right, I don't want to focus on medical advice. I'm really more interested in peoples experience with switching styles of bike, seats etc......

I had discs at L3 / L4 / L5 / S1 removed 1991, due to severe pain following a work injury in '85.
Since the spinal fusion / decompression I find it extremely annoying to ride, or sit in the cruiser position.
I opted for a standard bike, when I got going again - Bandit 1200.
Then, nothing but SS bikes.
Even though it's only a couple of inches, I've found that I can slide my butt up or back a tad, on these bikes in order to relieve a bit of stress on the lower back.
I try to hit up as many demo days as I can. I've noticed a huge difference hitting bumps on a cruiser, compared to a SS bike. IMO, the SS bike is much more forgiving.
I've always kept the rear shock on the soft side, when given the chance.
No guarantees for the knees if you go this route. ;)
 
Thanks for sharing guys. Shane, I have not had any luck with the donut or wedge pillows at work, so I'm skeptical it would work on the bike. The core training is what I need to keep up with. Ive always been unfit in my midsection, from what people are saying this is probably a root of the problem. That's somewhat comforting actually that your brother eventually got better. Say hi to him for me by the way. Not sure if he remembers me from the 55 shaw days. I did actually go to an Osteopath but was not impressed with the experience (for many reasons). I definitely didn't feel any better afterwards. I have wanted to look at massage therapy. I'll even try acupuncture at this point. For some reason my computer wont let me make paragraphs on this forum, so I apologize for that. Diesellxx I'm going to look into those seats. I'm apprehensive about them because after market seats are so pricey. If I buy one that doesn't help I'll be wasting a ton of money. Cheers.
I have a Canadian Tire Gel seat and a sheepskin seat cover that you are welcome to try individually or together to see if it helps - I don't use either anymore. I'm a big believer in massage therapy and I've tried acupuncture for a few years but not sure if it works or not, because I'm getting it done during physio treatments.

I find that strengthening my core really helps with being able to do long days on the bike. Having a strong stomach and lower back is very important not just for riding but overall injury prevention and posture.
I also find that the cruiser seating position is one of the worst possible positions to be on a bike. Every time you go over a bump it's the butt and tailbone area that take the shock. An upright bike allows dispersion of shock and load bearing between upper body, mid section and lower body. Also the ability to be able to easily stand on the pegs or at the very least use your knees as shock absorbers really helps.

My brother actually just bought an older BMW k100 or something, because of the seating position of the cruiser. He would totally remember you from 55 Shaw - those were the days!

edit: For your body type - get a V-Strom!
 
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Back in the late 80's I damaged my tailbone riding to New Mexico and back. It took about four years to be able to sit comfortably in a movie theater for the length of the movie. I started long distance touring again back in 2008 and still found problems (not too severe) on a VStar 1100 cruiser with a custom seat. The next year I switched my bike to a BMW F800 Sport Tourer which changed my riding position from sitting on my tailbone to leaning slightly forward with my weight on my thighs rather than my seat/tailbone. The difference was like night and day. Now I can (and do) ride all day on my bike for days on end :cool:
As far as lower back - EXERCISE - have to build up the shoulder and core muscles! This will strengthen and support your lower back and spine. Also when riding ensure you have loose wrists (not locked), bent elbows and a straight spine & kneck - posture, posture, posture.
 
roll up a towel or use one of your old pillows that has gone flat
place under your lower back when you sleep

if you use a towel put rubberbands to keep it from opening up

works wonders, you should feel a difference the next day
 
Broken tailbone... cant do enormous things for the actual bone except rest and not stress it too much.

Tweaked back, in that order i'd say chiro, physio and then you continue your strengthening at home.

I had a totally different issue (Sacroilliac syndrome, SI in short is what it'S commonly called)

The tweaking would appear out of nowhere. Since my chiro was in the business for over 3 decades..he had an idea of how to get a long term recovery therefore would give me exercises for my lower back to strengthen everything about it.

Went from planks to bridges to a bunch of other exercises. Haven't had to go back there in about 2 years (after about 10-12 sessions/adjustements + consistent home exercises)

Of course thats my experience... errybody is different.
 
Gravity boots. You'll have abs of steel and back pain will be a thing of the past. if that's too radical for you, start out with a tilt table.
 
Gravity boots. You'll have abs of steel and back pain will be a thing of the past. if that's too radical for you, start out with a tilt table.

Oh ya I forgot to mention an inversion table. If you have room in your house invest in one. I bought one and it works wonders. Also im an inch or two taller after I get off it lol.
 
You might want to try a custom seat. Check out Russell Day Long seats. https://www.day-long.com/

I've had one for about 5 years and it's amazing, allowing 10 hours days. Shifts weight off of your tailbone as per their web page "Because of the design of a "Day-Long" Saddle the rearward part, I call it the "wing" area, of the saddle is quite wide. This is, incidentally, at the very heart of the reason why it can provide so high a degree of riding comfort. The wide "wings" are there to provide outer buttock support so that less body weight will be concentrated toward the center."

They're fairly easy to work with. I'd just call them and describe your issue and see what they can offer as each seat is custom made.
 
I've wanted a classic cruiser my whole life and when I finally picked up a Softail a couple of years ago it broke my heart that my tailbone was killing me after a 30 minute ride. For me, picking up an aftermarket touring seat made all the difference. I have a 2-up Saddlemen and a Mustang solo. Both look a little big on the bike (compared to the OEM seat) but feel like a dream with little-to-no tailbone pressure.
 
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i had to sell my cruiser and switch to a SS because of a back injury.
it may sound crazy, but when on a SS i dont have any pressure on my tailbone so it doesnt aggravate my back problems. on a cruiser it puts pressure on my tailbone which compresses the disks and in turn compresses the nerves which are in between the disks.
on the cruiser i would have a burning pain after about 30 min, this summer i did about 14 hrs on the ss in 2 days no issues.

as for the cant sit in a car issue, i know that pain as well.
i have a 8 way power driver seat, i tilt the front up by my knees, and the back down then tilt the backrest of the seat forwards.
this creates a air pocket right by my tailbone....also makes buying a new vehicle a bit more expensive because you have to opt for the better seats...
 
i had to sell my cruiser and switch to a SS because of a back injury.
it may sound crazy, but when on a SS i dont have any pressure on my tailbone so it doesnt aggravate my back problems. on a cruiser it puts pressure on my tailbone which compresses the disks and in turn compresses the nerves which are in between the disks.
on the cruiser i would have a burning pain after about 30 min, this summer i did about 14 hrs on the ss in 2 days no issues.

A cruiser puts the majority of your weight on your bum, a SS puts a lot of weight on my wrists & hands.


I had hurt my tailbone once while repairing my car, sitting on hard cold concrete. It was very painful, so much so, I couldn't sleep at nights. I couldn't sleep face side up only to my sides. I went to see my doc and he didn't say much of it. I asked my bro who is a doc and he said the same thing. You can have an operation on it, but it just wasn't worth the risk for such trivial matter. It hurts like hell but there is not much harm. After a few months the pain gradually subsided and I have no more issue at all.

My bro told me that my tail bone is possibly pushed in but it doesn't affect you at all.
 
OP, what you describe is called "coccydynia" or pain from the coccyx.

There is actually very little you can do for it, aside from giving it time, a cortisone injection or having the coccyx surgically removed.

in terms of self management, those donuts or wedges have little chance of working if you're sitting on the coccyx itself (which happens when you let your pelvis rock backwards, or when you slouch). Sitting more on your ischial tuberosities (the bone you feel in your buttock -- at the top of your thigh -- that you sit on) by tilting your pelvis forward (as in sitting erect or a crouched posture) helps.

wearing loose or stretchy fabric pants while sitting can also help. If your pants are tight or made of a stiff fabric, the material pulls on the coccyx like a tent on a tent pole which will cause pressure and pain.

Some people have had success with acupuncture. Others have had success with hip stretches, jogging or performing deep squats (with a straight back), but YMMV, and there are no easy quick fixes (except maybe the cortisone injection)

At the very least, I'd try the hip stretches and squats. But also consider the cortisone injection. One or two in the area isn't bad for you.

and above all, try and avoid activities/positions which you know aggravate it. Pushing into pain will aggravate it and delay recovery, regardless of the route you take
 
My intention was not to ask for medical advice. I just want to know how other riders manage. What sort of devices might exist, that sort of thing. Ughh - this is frustrating this forum wont let me use my "enter" key to make a new paragraph. - I have not been back to the fracture clinic. That was some time ago now, and at the time I thought maybe I just got back on the horse too soon. Now that its December I'm starting to look at going back to the specialists etc...But you are right, I don't want to focus on medical advice. I'm really more interested in peoples experience with switching styles of bike, seats etc......

Try shift + enter to make a new paragraph.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
 

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