Hello, All! This is my first post! I’m super excited to have discovered this forum! I hope youg gals can share some knowledge and guidance, as I am in need!

I’ve been spinning for a year now, taking 3-classes a week. I LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!

I’ve always been comfortable on the spin bike and haven’t had any major issues – that is, until about 2-weeks ago.

I was in class and about half way though, my lower back really started to ache. I felt like I needed to sit up on the saddle to relieve pressure in my lower back. Also, the more resistance, the greater the pain. And forget about mashing - that REALLY hurt.

I am short (5’ tall) and was spinning with lower handlebars and the instructor told me to raise them up 2-knoches, but the pain was still there and I was unable to finish class.

The pain is lower lumbar and best described as a burning to aching pain. I will get a sharp pain when I extend my back (bending back). Sitting up for an extended period of time is aggravating as well. I’ve noticed that my back tends to feel better when I flex my back (bending forward/arch), but the relief doesn’t last long before I feel like I have to sit up again. ((Slouching isn't very comfortable))

In my last class, I raised the handlebars up even higher than before, just shy of the max height. I was able to spin the entire class with little discomfort, but all class, my back ached.

I went to my doctor and had x-rays done (looked good), so w/o doing an MRI, he really couldn’t say too much, other than recommending I do 4-weeks of physical therapy on my lower back. If that doesn’t help, then the MRI is next.

My question to you all is, is lower back pain common with someone who has hyper-extended their back? Since I’ve got short arms, are the higher handlebars the best way to go? I’ve been told that my seat height and position look fine. (B-4). How long should might it take for my body to get use to higher handlebars and feel some relief?

Any advice?