In addition to mountain biking (because one dangerous activity is never enough), I ride horses. I recently re-started jumping after a 9 year hiatus that was due to a back injury and fear. Last week, I fell off a horse because I was unbalanced over a fence and the horse galloped away. I felt ok when I landed, got back on and did it again, but the next day my neck was a little sore, but just like a little whiplash so I ignored it. I biked a few more times during the week and it was getting better. I raced on Sunday and on Monday mid-morning I started to get really bad neck pain. I took some advil last night, went to bed early, and now it's 4am and I'm in a ton of pain.
1. Do I go to the doctor?
2. Stick it out and hope it gets better?
3. I have another race on Saturday and I *really* want to go... can't I just wait until next week to go to the doctor?
I think I know what the right answer is, but I don't like it very much! What if the doctor tells me I can't bike, ride horses, or anything for a while and I start eating a lot and turn into a big, fat, lazy bum?
1. Do I go to the doctor?
2. Stick it out and hope it gets better?
3. I have another race on Saturday and I *really* want to go... can't I just wait until next week to go to the doctor?
I think I know what the right answer is, but I don't like it very much! What if the doctor tells me I can't bike, ride horses, or anything for a while and I start eating a lot and turn into a big, fat, lazy bum?