Why haven't there been more pictures - Explained, July 23rd, 2002

A week before the 24 hour relay race in Spokane, WA. (Round the Clock) I must a done something extra stupid to my back and I happened to sneeze which caused a huge amount of pain and discomfort in my lower back and down my legs.  I didn't think I'd be able to do the Spokane race due to the intense pain, but I went to a Kinesiologiest who made me feel a ton better.  I did the race as the pictures and videos below show and only had minute back pain.  But...It wasn't to last.  The day after the race I again sneezed and this time I spent a week of forced vacation lying around my house of some very NICE drugs for the inflammation, spasms and pain.  Since then I've been seeing a physical therapist but nothing is helping.  I'm still taking pain drugs and anti-inflammatories but they are only keeping me functional and not stopping the pain.  Some days are pretty good with only a small irritation, but on other days I can barely move and have to force back the tears as I try to function.  I had an MRI about two weeks after the sneeze and it showed a very large herniated disc in my L5-S1.  Today(July 23rd) I went in for an epidural Steroidal Injection to attempt to reduce the inflammation.  I hope all goes well and I can begin working back into the saddle over the next few months.  Take care, and thanks to you who've dropped me a line with concern.  See you all very soon.  Remember...you only have one back and its fairly important.  Use it correctly!!!

So here it is 3 years later.  The injection worked very well.  I still have to stretch every morning and night and always do my ab routine or my back hurts.  I can still bike and have only had to give up golf and scuba.

The picture on the left is an MRI of the herniation.  The picture on the right is a picture of the epidural injection