For my post-operative patients, at six weeks I allow road biking on the flats as long as they have no significant nerve irritation signs (SLR-straight leg raise or femoral nerve stretch depending upon the nerve involved). I like the 20% per week rule for recovery.
Take one parameter (speed, length of activity or difficulty-elevation gain) and increase one of the three by 20% per week. If you start by riding the flats for 10 miles at 13mph, you could increase one parameter by 20%. That is, increase your distance by 20% (12 miles), your speed (16mph) or difficulty (mix in some small short hills).
You can increase by a larger percent if you choose but the risk of flair-up is somewhat higher with a higher percentage.
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.