Back pain

**LeprosyStudyGroup** · 09-18-2017, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by huskerdont

I wondered why your Strava feed had gone quiet.

Only other thing I'd add is that, for me, changing riding position helps. I get out of the saddle more than many just to give the back (and tail) a break. Seems to help.

Thanks for saying this, otherwise I might not have reflected on the fact that I basically never get out of the saddle even when climbing. I'm sure never mixing it up hasn't helped over the long term.

**AFHokie** · 09-18-2017, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by LeprosyStudyGroup

Thanks for saying this, otherwise I might not have reflected on the fact that I basically never get out of the saddle even when climbing. I'm sure never mixing it up hasn't helped over the long term.

Does the new bike put you in a much more forward leaning position?

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**LeprosyStudyGroup** · 09-18-2017, 11:35 AM

Yeah it's a cross racing geometry vs my old hybrid commuter.

**Crickey7** · 09-18-2017, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by EasyRider

Might it be time to raise your handlebars?

Agree with the PT recommendation. Riding a bike is fun but doesn't do much for building core strength. I've had a bulging disc in my lower back for at least 10 years. PT helped immensely. I would ride there on my bike in pain, and ride away feeling GREAT.

Similar. I have spinal stenosis, a degenerative spinal condition. PT focused on core strength helped a lot with back/leg pain and improved my riding. I also switched to a flat bar bike, which helped a bit as well.

**Steve O** · 09-18-2017, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by LeprosyStudyGroup

Riding 50 states this year on my new bike made my back pretty sore. It got worse and worse until wednesday my back was seized up and I couldnt move. Doc says Sacroiliac joint inflamation, put me on anti inflammation med and I'll start doing PT this week too. I got nothing to say about it besides that it sucks and I hope we both find ways to make it not happen anymore!

We shoulda switched bikes like we talked about. Then I would have the sore back and you would be #3 on Dexter.

**Kitty** · 09-18-2017, 10:08 PM

Oh no! I'm sorry to hear about the back trouble! If I may, whereabouts is it?

Having just done my first bike fitting (yesterday), I had to reflect on my own "backstory." I used to have really bad lower back pain on a semi-regular basis when I was younger (we're talking high school). Some of that was likely due to a morbidly heavy backpack, but the other factor was I had the core-strength of a Beanie Baby.

Later, after I got my first Crossrip, I started having severe pain in the upper back. It turns out that was caused by the fact that the stock handlebars were way too wide for my little frame, and so many hours in the saddle with my shoulders compressed together was the culprit. Getting narrower handlebars fixed that, and was possibly the best upgrade I've made to my bike in terms of quality of life.

So in sum, it might be core, it might be the bike. Either of these can be ameliorated.

And to +1 what folks have been saying about the core work, the bike fitter yesterday told me that cyclists can never do enough yoga, core, or squats.

**streetsmarts** · 09-20-2017, 07:42 PM

It's my lower back. And today I'm thinking 3 things - 1. Bike fit. 2. More gears ...granny gears - might be needed. I really crawled up that hill. From what I've read, I should probably be able to pedal a lot on a hill. Instead I just pushed my (not core strong, old and tired) body. As if I were 25 and could do that without consequences. 3. Core work. It's hard to believe but im still in pain...since Sat when It started.

Thanks Kitty! I do think I'll get another bike fit after the muscle spasms die down! !

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