Cased a jump hard, injured lower back?

[toku58]

I'm in a good deal of pain, and stiffness. But luckly nothing is broken. I had a CT Scan to check for spinal concussion. and spinal Xrays to confirm that no vertebrae were fractured.
But now I'm wondering how do I get my back into riding condition again?

How long of a lay off should I take?

This happened Sunday 11/01/2009. My forearms were too fatigued and I inadvertently throttled the bike up a hill that wasn't jump. I ended up at the bottom of a ravine, landing very hard. Cased my suspension and jolted my lower back really hard, when my butt hit the seat.

Today is the first day I'm able to get out of bed and sit at the computer.

I just don't know, how long should I allow this type of injury to keep me from ridding? I'm lucky I still can walk.

I know for the most part it will depend on how well I feel? My doctor told me to sell the bike.

Is there anything I can do to strengthen my lower back to avoid this type of injury?

[Tatonka]

I'm no Dr. so take my adviced with a grain of salt but you're Doc's advice to sell the bike is way off base and I'd find a new Doctor!! Keep stretching and working on keeping the pain level and inflammation down. Once you are pain free again find a good routine that exercises and stretches your core and stick with ity.

Hopefully one of the experts will chime in here!!

[toku58]

Thanks for the reply!
Does anyone know how to reduce forearm fatigue? I'm almost positive that was the reason I couldn't control the throttle.

I try to stay hydrated throughout the day as best I can. This ride was just after we had lunch, so I'm assuming that a full stomach played a role in my forearms cramping up?
Do you guys think I should avoid eating full meals on ride days? Should I just stick to power bars and bananas?

Thanks for any insight you guys can give me.:thumb

[fastlearner]

For forearms, you just need to strengthen them...gently. The old-school, spring-loaded gripper things are more hurtful than helpful.

Next time your at the doctor ask him for some "thera putty" or similar. It's a gooey putty you squeeze in your hand. 30 minutes on each side and you'll be sore but not in a way that increases arm pump.

Heal up quick.

[toku58]

For forearms, you just need to strengthen them...gently. The old-school, spring-loaded gripper things are more hurtful than helpful.

Next time your at the doctor ask him for some "thera putty" or similar. It's a gooey putty you squeeze in your hand. 30 minutes on each side and you'll be sore but not in a way that increases arm pump.

Heal up quick.

Thanks! What firmness do you recommend for the putty? I have fairly strong hands. But I'm not sure if I should go with the XFirm? That might make it pump up too much.

Would you think the soft putty would be better? Since I'm shooting for endurance?

[fastlearner]

Just soft enough to provide a little push back. It's not a strength activity. I'd say Medium at the toughest.