Riding with Herniated Disc

ponner1us · Post by **ponner1us** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 7:40 pm

Hi All,
I have a Genuine Blur 150 that I love BUT I had a herniated disc (L5) in '99 that was problem free (after surgery) until August of '11, when it reherniated. I then had surgery again (microdiscectomy redo) in November, which actually made it worse, and then a redo redo microdiscectomy in early January of this year, and I've been pain-free since. With spring fast approaching I'm wondering if its a good idea to ride again, I usually commute about 10 miles each way to work. I know most everyone will suggest asking my Doctor about riding the scooter, which I will do, but does anyone have any experience with riding with a past (surgically-corrected) herniated disc? Any advice/experience would be appreciated. Thanks!

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 9:30 pm

I had a vertebra fusion done last year at C6(?), which is quite a bit higher up, and a different procedure... so your mileage will almost certainly vary from mine.

I didn't have any serious complications from riding after the surgery. Of course I waited some time before I got back in the saddle, and longer before I tried going any distance. I only ran into trouble after I went on a multi-day road trip a few months later, which involved some long days riding. Shortly after that I started having some inflammation around the site of the surgery, which ended up with additional PT.

So, for what my not-really-the-same experience is worth, I'd say give it a try. Short rides to start out with, of course. You may need to be more careful about your riding posture, but a scooter's better for that than a bicycle or motorcycle. I'm assuming of course that you've been getting PT (or were told you don't need it), doing your exercises, etc. Just be sure to listen to your body, and if you feel any pain, stop and call someone for a ride or whatever.

gr8dog · Post by **gr8dog** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 9:43 pm

I had a laminectamy in 87 (L5S1). Then again in 92, same one. Since then only one major flare up, that was last year. It had nothing to do with riding and everything to do with heavy lifting (bad form) in my basement. Medication and rest get me better in a few weeks. Riding has caused sore tailbone but never ever bothered my lower back. Just my experience.

BigBenlor · Post by **BigBenlor** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 9:52 pm

Wow.
I cant even convince myself to ride when I feel like ive got a "twinge" in my neck. I feel like my reaction time is slowed by not being able to swing my head around quickly. (not that I even to it often)

So, I'd say, if you feel comfortable go for it brother, just be safe and dont make it worse.

agrogod · Post by **agrogod** » Tue Mar 13, 2012 10:03 am

I've got a partially herinated L6 from '94, and have never had anything done, and still suffer from flare-ups to this day. Scooter riding has never affected it probably because it makes me sit up straighter. Since every one's pain and discomfort level's are different, only you know what is good for you.
Just take it one day at a time, and to quote Dr. Ruth, "If it feels good, do it".

Tom_M · Post by **Tom_M** » Tue Mar 13, 2012 11:36 am

I had the microdiscectomy in early August of last year and was back on my Buddy 6 weeks after the surgery riding to and from physical therapy. Before the procedure, no one would believe me, it actually hurt less to carefully ride my scooter than get in and out of my car. I had a 10mm herniation at L4 L5 and a bulge at L5 S1. Before and after my surgery I had nerve pain like you wouldn't believe and I still have a little bit of numbness in my hips but I'm glad I did it. I really hope yours doesn't affect your riding. Scooting is just too much fun for me.

kmrcstintn · Post by **kmrcstintn** » Tue Mar 13, 2012 3:09 pm

you might want to get a seat pad with a gel or memory foam core to cushion the harder bumps (if it doesn't affect you by preventing your feet from touching the ground while at stop signs/red lights)

AWinn6889 · Post by **AWinn6889** » Tue Mar 13, 2012 4:02 pm

I have some pretty gnarly spinal issues and I have yet to have a problem on the scooter, the motorcycle on the other hand gets to be uncomfortable, and even painful after about an hour. So far I have done a couple rides at about an hour and a half without any pain or tightness before stopping to stretch out and walk around. I thankfully have not needed surgery yet but I may at some point in the future, for now some intense PT keeps everything where it's supposed to be for me. All I can say is talk to your doctor, and ease yourself back into it, do what feels right for you.

For those who watch, or have at least seen an episode of "An Idiot Abroad," you could probably appreciate and get a kick out of this... I bet they would be great on an uncomfortable motorcycle or scooter seat!