Back pain gets better on bike

[PamNY]

I've had some lower back pain lately. Not sure what's up, but I suspect it's because I need to stop hoisting my 53-pound bulldog on and off the bed. He's not the only one getting older. I also need to be more diligent about abdominal and core strengthening.

I've noticed consistently, over a period of weeks, that the pain gets significantly better (even disappears) when I go for a nice, long bike ride. It's a hybrid bike, so I'm leaning only slightly forward. I don't know if position on the bike is the key, or perhaps it's just relaxation.

Wouldn't it be nice if all of our ailments could be fixed by a bike ride?

Pam

[pfunk12]

That's great, Pam. I also have had a similar experience with biking. I have some major lower back issues (not because I lift a 53 pound dog ). My chiropractor recommended that I stop running and start cycling. The flexion (being bent over) has definitely helped my lower back and I even managed to run 1.5 miles the other night without pain. First "run" since September!

And I definitely agree that core exercises will help you. Keep on cycling!

[tulip]

I had horrible lower back/hip pain for months. The only time I was pain-free was when I was riding my bike. The things that helped me tremendously are a good chiropractor, ergonomic seating at my office (yeah, I had to threaten a worker's comp claim, but they came through), working through some very tough emotional/relationship/life stuff, and Pilates.

The only time I have inklings of back pain now are when I get slack with the Pilates. I no longer see the chiropractor and I work from home and cannot afford a $1000 chair so I make do with what I have. I am still working on the emotional/life stuff, but I'm in a much better situation that I was before.

I'd start the Pilates right away. It's a whole lot easier than the other stuff (okay, the chair is easy, especially if you don't have to pay for it!)

[BellaMTB]

I've noticed the same thing - I experience lower back pain for periods of time, but it almost always improves or completely disappears when I (mountain) bike. I believe the endorphins probably play a big factor, along with the riding position. Yet another good reason to keep riding . . .

[SlowButSteady]

My lower back has been hurting all week but it doesn't hurt when I ride.

We have a family history of back problems. My dad had two back surgeries but it always made his back feel better to ride his horse.

[Dogmama]

Wow - I've been practically rigid with lower back pain all last week. I have arthritis, bone spurs, narrowing, the whole thing and the spasms have been horrible. I finally got on my bike yesterday and - amazing - the pain subsided a lot and I felt fantastic all day! Even sat through a movie (The Hangover - crude but funny.)

I'm still seeing my "spine doc" this week. Now I'm getting sharp pains in my foot. I'm going to lobby hard for physical therapy - with that cute little guy who did physical therapy on my neck....MEEEOOOWWW!!!

[PamNY]

Very interesting to find out I'm not the only one. I'm sitting here now achy and stiff because I didn't bike today. Yes, it is good to have a malady that responds to pleasant activities.

I am going to look into Pilates and perhaps a chiropractor if this doesn't better. I am trying to force myself to sleep on my back because I've read that sleeping on your stomach is bad for lower back pain. I don't have much self-control after I fall asleep, though.

I'm also wondering about my psoas muscle -- there have been some posts here about that.

Pam

[ACiveE]

Cycling also provided relief for me... fortunately or unfortunately-- I haven't decided which-- I just recently had back surgery which didn't go so smoothly so no biking for a while.

[Dogmama]

I saw my spine doc & he said that my L-4 vertebra is pushed out of place (I have arthritis in my spine.)

He's an MD - orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spines. He is a HUGE proponent of cycling and core strengthening. He says that a strong core is essential and can eliminate a lot of problems down the road.

[PamNY]

ACiveE, sorry your surgery didn't go well. Hope things are looking up.

I wish core exercises weren't so boring. I may need a class for motivation.

[tulip]

ACiveE, sorry your surgery didn't go well. Hope things are looking up.

I wish core exercises weren't so boring. I may need a class for motivation.

I find that a very good Pilates mat class is not boring at all. And it's very effective.