Can You Cycle With Lower Back Pain? All You Need To Know

Cycling is a fantastic form of exercise for overall health and fitness, but what if you have lower back pain? Can you still cycle? What are the risks? And what can you do to make cycling more comfortable and less painful? In this post, we answer all your questions about cycling with lower back pain. Keep reading to find out more!

 

What Causes Back Pain When Cycling?

Back pain when cycling is a common complaint among cyclists of all levels. While the causes of back pain can vary, some common culprits contribute to this problem.

One of the most common causes of back pain when cycling is poor bike fit. This means that the bike is not properly sized or adjusted to the rider, which can lead to discomfort and pain. Another cause of back pain when cycling is overtraining. This occurs when a rider trains too hard or too frequently, resulting in strain on the muscles and ligaments. Additionally, improper form while cycling can also lead to back pain. This includes riding with a hunched posture, not using the core muscles, and reaching too far forward with the handlebars.

Luckily, some steps can be taken to prevent or reduce back pain when cycling.

First, make sure that the bike is properly fitted and adjusted for the rider.

Second, focus on training gradually and increasing mileage slowly to avoid overtraining.

Finally, be sure to practice good form while riding, keeping the spine in alignment and using the core muscles for support. By following these tips, cyclists can help to avoid or reduce back pain when cycling.

 

Can You Cycle With Lower Back Pain

If you’re a cyclist who suffers from lower back pain, you may be wondering if it’s possible to continue cycling without exacerbating your condition. The good news is that, in most cases, cycling can help alleviate lower back pain.

The biggest reason people have lower back pain, especially cyclists, is they get tightness in the muscles in their anterior hip—their quads and hip flexors—mostly from sitting. When you sit on a bike seat, you’re constantly contracting these muscles to keep yourself upright, which can lead to tightness and eventually pain.

Cycling can help stretch out these muscles and relieve some of the tension that may be causing your lower back pain. Of course, it’s important to consult with your doctor or Physical Therapist before starting or changing any exercise regimen, but in general, cycling is a low-impact activity that can be helpful for those suffering from lower back pain.

Additionally, cycling strengthens the muscles in your back and core, which can help support your spine and prevent further pain. So, if you’re dealing with lower back pain, hopping on a bike may be just what you need to find relief.

 

Risks Of Cycling With Back Pain

There are several risks associated with cycling when you have back pain. The first is that you could aggravate your condition by cycling. This is because cycling puts strain on the lower back, which can exacerbate existing pain. If you have chronic back pain, it is best to avoid cycling altogether.

Another risk of cycling with back pain is that you could injure yourself. This is because cycling can be a high-impact activity, and if you fall off your bike or crash, you could seriously injure yourself. If you have back pain, it is important to be extra careful when cycling and to wear protective gear such as a helmet and pads.

Finally, another risk of cycling with back pain is that you could worsen your condition by not sitting on your bike properly. This is because if you don’t have the correct setup, you could end up putting even more strain on your back, which could lead to further pain and discomfort. It is important to make sure that you are cycling correctly before you set off on your journey.

Despite the risks, cycling can still be a great way to exercise when you have back pain. Just be sure to take things slowly at first, and to listen to your body. If you start to experience pain, stop immediately and rest. And always consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise regime.

 

Back Exercises For Cyclists

1. Seated Back Stretch – Sit on a chair with good posture and place your hands on the back of your head. Gently pull your head down towards your chest, feeling a stretch in your upper back and shoulders. Hold for 10-20 seconds and repeat 2-3 times.

2. Back Extensions – Lie on your stomach with your hands by your sides. Slowly raise your head, shoulders, and upper back off the ground, using your lower back muscles to control the movement. Hold for 1 second at the top of the move before lowering back down to the starting position. Repeat 10-15 times.

3. Superman – Lie face down on the floor with your arms extended out in front of you. Simultaneously raise your arms, legs, and chest off the ground, hold for 2 seconds, and then lower back down to the starting position. Repeat 10-15 times.

4. Cat/Cow – Start on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. As you inhale, arch your back and look up towards the ceiling (cow pose). As you exhale, round your back and tuck your chin to your chest (cat pose). Repeat 10-15 times.

5. Bird Dog – Start on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Extend one leg straight back behind you and the opposite arm straight out in front of you. Hold for 2 seconds and then return to the starting position. Repeat with the other arm and leg. Do 10-15 reps on each side.

These exercises are just a few examples of what you can do to help strengthen your back muscles and prevent pain and injuries while cycling. As always, be sure to warm up before doing any type of exercise and consult with a doctor, certified personal trainer, or cycling coach if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Final Words

Lower back pain is a common ailment that can make cycling seem impossible. However, there are ways to cycle with lower back pain and still get the benefits of this exercise. In fact, research shows that people who suffer from chronic lower back pain can improve their condition by regularly cycling. So don’t let your lower back pain keep you from getting on your bike! Here are a few tips to help you cycle with lower back pain.

-Tip 1: Adjust Your Seat Height: One way to reduce strain on your lower back while cycling is to adjust the height of your seat. Make sure that when you pedal, your knees are slightly bent—this will take some of the pressure off your spine. You may also want to experiment with different seat positions until you find one that feels most comfortable for you. Alternatively, reach out to a qualified bike fitter.

-Tip 2: Make sure you reach isn’t too long to you handlebars. Excessive reach can place extra strain on your back when cycling. Make sure you have a small bend in your elbows and aren’t sliding forward on the saddle when you cycle.

-Tip 3: Use a Chair: If you’re just starting out and aren’t quite ready to ride a full bicycle yet, try using a chair instead. Place the chair in front of an open door or window so that you can prop one leg up on it as if you were riding a real bike. This will help strengthen your muscles and prepare them for when you eventually start riding a real bicycle again.

By following these tips, you should be able to cycle with lower back pain and still reap all the benefits of this great exercise! Cycling is not only good for your physical health, but it can also improve your mental wellbeing too.