I'm interested in whether anyone has experience in returning to triathlon and endurance sports after being diagnosed with disc/nerve issues. I have a mild disc bulge at C6-C7 which mildly displaces the left C7 nerve, plus some less serious lower back nerve issues. My doctor says its old age (62), i prefer to think its because of my athletic excellence, but i suspect decades of poor posture, core neglect, limited rotation and too much time stuffed into long haul airline seats is the cause. The major trigger last year was a swim and bike ramp leading to IM CDA. Physio and a series of cortisone injections over the last 9 months have made a huge difference in resolving the lower left arm pain in particular that i had. I'm hoping to avoid surgery.
I've gradually returned to training - bike on the trainer with the front elevated somewhat to ease the neck strain, swimming with focus on head alignment and rolling to breath. I'm most tolerant of bike and run, some aching at the base of the neck but i can deal with that and it goes away in a day. Swimming is the most troublesome. Doesn't take much to trigger nerve pain in my left forearm again and temporary nerve pain in my foot while swimming plus the odd tingle in fingers. Swimming with a pull buoy is easier and i'm considering doing a bunch of dryland stretch cord work and limiting the pool time.
And yes, i have a great physio and have medical advice, interested in any personal experiences with this.
Thanks guys.
I've gradually returned to training - bike on the trainer with the front elevated somewhat to ease the neck strain, swimming with focus on head alignment and rolling to breath. I'm most tolerant of bike and run, some aching at the base of the neck but i can deal with that and it goes away in a day. Swimming is the most troublesome. Doesn't take much to trigger nerve pain in my left forearm again and temporary nerve pain in my foot while swimming plus the odd tingle in fingers. Swimming with a pull buoy is easier and i'm considering doing a bunch of dryland stretch cord work and limiting the pool time.
And yes, i have a great physio and have medical advice, interested in any personal experiences with this.
Thanks guys.