back problems

[kenyonchris]

I am having a problem with the right side only of my lower back after about 45 miles or so. It seems to be fatigue related. I have had my bike fitted and have messed around with the saddle, stem, bars, and such. The bike guy says that my bike is just a tiny bit to big for me, so I am a little stretched out on it, even with the stem as short as it can go...I have heard this before...usually followed by, "but only a little bit...you will probably be ok." The saddle can go a bit further forward, but then it jacks up my leg position in relation to the pedals. I love, love, love my bike (Colnago C50, full Campy Chorus 11) and really don't want to start at ground zero again with a new one, but I also ride with an aggressive bunch, and I need to be able to hammer for 100 miles without killing my back. It is on the right side only (weirdly enough, and yes, I have checked my saddle to make sure it is even, and checked my hand position, etc.) right about where the waistband of my shorts would lie (I wear bibs usually).
It is worse at the moment because I am out of shape, when I am in shape it really doesn't kick in till mile 45. Right now it is starting at 30 miles. It doesn't bother me at any other time. Anyone? Anyone?

[KnottedYet]

I could write you an entire encyclopedia, but I have to go to work (where I deal with spines all day and run the injured cyclist program)

But maybe that's good, cuz I tend to blather on too much...

Suffice it to say I have a pretty good idea what is going on, and I'll work on it when I get home. Fear not! You don't have to ditch your bike!

[kenyonchris]

I could write you an entire encyclopedia, but I have to go to work (where I deal with spines all day and run the injured cyclist program)

But maybe that's good, cuz I tend to blather on too much...

Suffice it to say I have a pretty good idea what is going on, and I'll work on it when I get home. Fear not! You don't have to ditch your bike!

AWESOME!!!! Thank you!

[tulip]

Knott knows best, but here's my guess: one leg longer than the other (fixed with shim at cleat on shorter leg--works for me), very tight muscle at hip/butt--Knott knows the name of it for sure. I had that and through stretching, massage and PT found relief. Work on that core, too. Pilates helps my back like nothing else.

[WindingRoad]

I dunno if this will help but I had a similar issue on those kind of rides. Being in that position for so long was actually causing a shortening of my ab muscles and then off the bike they would cause a pulling in my lower back. Solution was to lay down over a large exercise ball (back on the ball) and stretch out the ab muscles really good after, before and whenever the back starts to twinge. That has done wonders for me. Mine got so bad I could barely walk at times and this simple stretch did the trick, go figure.

[TrekTheKaty]

I'm also waiting for Knotted's answer. I hurt my back a few years ago. I currently stretch twice a day and go to the chiropractor once a month. I was going to suggest some yoga, stretching and strengthening for the area. My pelvis is twisted and tilted and my lower back is the first to give out on long rides. However, overall we believe cycling is helping with core strength and loosening my hamstrings, so I just have to take it slow while I build each summer. Good luck.

[ridebikeme]

I totally agree with Tulip, it could be a leg length issue or a muscle group that is tighter on one side than the other. BUT, I'm sure Knot will figure out the issue and give some great advice/suggestions.

From a fitting perspective, I would assume that along with a short stem that your fitters also have you riding a stem with an upright position? By that I mean a stem with something other than 90 or a zero degree rise? A shorter stem with a rise will effectively feel shorter than the same length with a zero degree rise.... but I'm sure you know that already.

At any rate, good luck and I'm anxious to hear Knots suggestions