lower back pain when cycling

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2006-01-11 11:03 AM


17

Subject: lower back pain when cycling
Hello,

I realize that lower back pain is a common problem for cyclists, and I am hoping that people might be able to share what worked for them to alleviate the pain.

I have been participating in triathlons for the last two years, and have always had back trouble. Last year I signed up for Ironman Canada, and got serious about 'solving' the back problem. I got my bike professionally fitted and started seeing a physio (specialist for triathletes) and massage therapist once a week. I have made great strides with my back in other aspects of training (I took 7 minutes off my 10K time!) over the last 4 months, but am not seeing any improvement with my back pain. I just had my bike refitted to a less agressive position, but there has been little difference in the first three rides. Generally I can get to about 35K before the pain hits, and can continue to 60K as long as I stretch it out occasionally. After 60K, I have to get off the bike and do some serious stretching, and then I can extend another 10K or so.

Stopping this frequently is going to make Ironman Canada a VERY long day!

Any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks, Mermaid

2006-01-11 11:21 AM
in reply to: #321521

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2006-01-11 12:01 PM
in reply to: #321548


17

Subject: RE: lower back pain when cycling
Good question! Yes, I do core work at least 3 times a week - my physio is pretty adamant about that. I do have aero bars, but I don't use them much - partly because the roads are very slippery and partly because it aggravates the back.
2006-01-12 3:08 AM
in reply to: #321521

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2006-01-12 7:00 PM
in reply to: #322135


17

Subject: RE: lower back pain when cycling
Hello,

The core work is great - I feel so much stronger when running and swimming, not to mention the improvement in the way I feel in my clothes!

I have had my bike fitted by two different professionals, both recommended by others in my tri club. The first man works specifically with Ironman athletes and really emphasizes aerodynamic positions. However, this was a very aggressive position with the bars much lower than my seat. The second fit was with another coach who works primarily with female triathletes, and this fit is shorter (I have a shorter stem) and less stretched out - with my bars being raised nearly 3 cm (well, tilted back but the effect is that I grab 3cm higher than I used to). The seat is roughly the same height with both fits.

Very frustrating!
2006-01-13 6:04 AM
in reply to: #321521

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2006-01-13 10:02 AM
in reply to: #321521

Master
2033
200025
Subject: RE: lower back pain when cycling
I used to have issues with my lower back and found that I had tight hamstrings... yoga and streching didi the trick for me.
2006-01-28 1:36 PM
in reply to: #321521

Regular
91
252525
South Suburbs of Chicago
Subject: RE: lower back pain when cycling
Has there been any further word out there on Mermaidenau's condition? I too suffer from lower back pain from continuous movement of the lower body. In particular cycling and ice skating. I had just recently read about the tight hamstrings being a cause for lower back pain, and am wondering how it is going, or if there has been any attempts at strengthening and stretching the hammys. Let us know, please.
2006-01-28 8:40 PM
in reply to: #321521


17

Subject: RE: lower back pain when cycling
Hi,

No change in the back pain, unfortunately. I am still working on my core, still working on stretching, still going to physio and massage - just about to try acupuncture, active release therapy, naturopathy and anything else out there that might help! Naively, I would have thought that even if my core is weak and my hamstrings are tight, they are definitely much improved since I first started this campaign over 5 months ago - so wouldn't I expect to see some level of improvement? Still having pain 25 km into the ride.....

Frustrating!

Thanks for all the feedback!
2006-01-29 1:28 AM
in reply to: #321521

Master
1862
10005001001001002525
San Mateo, CA
Subject: RE: lower back pain when cycling
I got rid of most of my lower back pain when cycling simply by having a proper fitting on my bike.
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