Back hurting

[Big Jim]

I went on a long (for me ) ride went along the blue ridge parkway from Hendersonville NC to little Switzerland down 221A to Morgantown ,Black mountain then home. The park way had a lot of uneven places so a lot of side to side movement. The back was ok at the end of the ride and also the next day. But now I can't move without Pain pills and muscle relaxers. Anyone use a back brace while riding and if so what kind. I have a tall boy seat with an adjustable back rest .

 

[frostbite51]

I did a three day trip to Yellowstone on a Triglide and ended up getting a cortisone shot in the spine. I run 20-20 on the Free when solo now, 20# in the back tires, 20# in the shocks. Also try to hit most bumps with front tire to escape that 'side to side' jarring as much as possible...

 

[DK Custom Products]

I have not had to wear a back brace, can't help there. But there are a few things you can do to soften up your ride.

1. Reduce the rear tire psi to 21-22 lbs.

2. Get a Comfort Lift™, this will soften it up some too.

3. Get some good rear shocks, you can see a Report on the research we've done HERE. You can see some shocks HERE.

With a good set up the ride can be very nice.

Upgrading the front suspension, in addition to the above, will make it ride like a completely different trike. Report on front suspension HERE.

I know it's a lot more expensive than a back brace, and it sucks to have to spend $ on a stock trike to make it ride nice, but the difference is night and day.

Kevin

 

[Big Jim]

Thanks for all the advice. I got a cortisone shot yesterday and have not had to take a pain pill today. I am on the way to recovery. I will start an exercise program to strengthen the back. I did not know if a back brace would help to prevent this in the future.

Thanks Keven for the info on all the upgrades I will look into doing some upgrades to help the ride. I ride solo and have tires at 25 lbs and shocks at 40 lbs but I weigh 400 lbs ,is that too much pressure?

Jim

 

[DK Custom Products]

Thanks for all the advice. I got a cortisone shot yesterday and have not had to take a pain pill today. I am on the way to recovery. I will start an exercise program to strengthen the back. I did not know if a back brace would help to prevent this in the future.

Thanks Keven for the info on all the upgrades I will look into doing some upgrades to help the ride. I ride solo and have tires at 25 lbs and shocks at 40 lbs but I weigh 400 lbs ,is that too much pressure?

Jim

Hey Jim,

You will be surprised how much nicer it will ride if you get that PSI in the tires down around 21. Shocks seem fine at 40.

One thing I forgot to mention...an airhawk seat cushion is really effective at taking some of the bumps out.

Kevin

 

[Freewheeling Ron]

I just recently did 2 weeks , 3k miles on BRP and northern GA twisties pulling a cargo trailer. My first trike ride, or any ride in 2 years. From texas to VA and back by nice scenic roads, except last 2 days, interstate. Lots of braking, accelerating, lefts, rights, up and down. Anyway, I felt like I had been in a 2 week boot camp. But in a good way. I need the exercise. Sorry for your back problems though. Had that issue for 50 years. Could not have done it without the back rest

 

[Sunman]

I injured my back when I was 30 ( 68 now) and a backrest is a must on every bike I have had since then, even on my old '79 FL. Without a backrest I can't ride more than 20 - 30 miles before I have to get off. With a good backrest I can ride all day. Get a backrest and it will make a world of difference.

Sunman

 

[vito]

Backrest

Second the comments on a backrest. Can't be without one on a trike. It'd be like driving a cage without a backrest on the driver's seat. Yes, it can be done but .... Can't disagree with Kevin's info either.

 

[Burnerboy]

I went to Walmart and purchased a seat cushion pad ( any store that sells these cushions will work) it's small, soft, comfy, and can be used only when needed like on those long rides, or "those" sore butt days, and stores away easily... It totally eliminates the hardness of any M/cycle seat, and best of all no vibrations, or hard seats.............:clapping: I can ride hours longer, sitting in the same position, miles after mile.............

 

[1dn5up]

Might as well throw in my 2 cents; Thru my riding experiance years, my backrest takes care of my lower back , the amount of elbow bend and foward leaning will create shoulder blade pain. When crusing, if your not leaning back comfortably on your backrest, then it's possible your bars are not close enough resulting in a straight arm effect. This will strain your shoulder muscles creating spasms.

I found that my arms must be in a 90 degree angle and leaning back on the backrest works with out any pain at all. As stated before just my opinion from my 10 years of auto racing .

 

[HDB0B]

On long rides (and heavy yard work) I use a Mueller Back Brace. Very heavy duty. I don't use the lumbar support ... but good to have if needed.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mueller-Lumbar-Back-Brace/10533468

Bob orag:

 

[Jack Klarich]

I have used a back brace for years, that said IMO do not ge used to it, it can be a false sense of security JMO I have NO L4 or L5 any more It HURTS all the time. Best of luck to you. DK Customs and all replies here are right on target

 

[Downtown Cowtown]

check your teeth, bad teeth can cause a back prob, im getting two pulled tomorrow, i ll be back if its true for me.

 

[screwball]

Ditto HDBOB. I have a back brace comparable to his in my trunk. Don't wear it all the time, but when we go on a long run I can feel my back 'talking to me'. The back brace and back rest (adjustable) make things all good. I had back surgery for a pinched nerve and bulging disk in February and got a new hip in May. Having no problems riding long distances now. We did a 60 mile (one way) breakfast run this morning.

Remember, trikes aren't Ultras, much less suspension and you have to 'work' to ride them

 

[Big Jim]

Thanks for all the info I will get a back brace and wear in on longer trips I have a adj back with a tall boy seat on my free wheeler but it was not enough steroids got me out of pain but I want to avoid the problem in the future

Jim

 

[screwball]

Jim, it is a "FUN / PAIN" balance equation. As long as you aren't doing any permanent damage have fun. Riding buddies of ours can go about 200 miles before it starts to hurt too much to have fun. We stop about every 50 miles so Al can stand up for a minute or two and off we go again. Take it easy, enjoy the ride and have a bottle of Advil close by