back problems

[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.

[Wahine]

There can be a lot of factors going on here and like Knott, I could blather on for hours but I am at work and have a patient coming in right away.

I agree with the idea of a muscle imbalance and core weakness. Hip stretches can help a lot and working on cycling specific core strengthening exercises are great.

Another way to take out a bit of the reach in your fit is to go to a narrower handlebar. Most women are fit best on a 38 or 40cm handlebar but there are ways to measure what would work best for you.

Knott will probably get back to this before I do, but I'll try to post some stretches and exercises you might want to try later.

[kermit]

Hate to say it but I'm in the same profession you are and my doctor told me every cop he sees has lower back issues thanks to that super bulky gun belt. I would see a doctor and get a fresh MRI or at least x-rays. I have a fractured L-3 from 1985 and my right side hurts like hell on the bike after a while. Same pain I get if I'm in the car too long at work. Lots of stretching and walking and I also adjusted a leg length discrepancy with lemond wedges.

[Tuckervill]

Yeah, and since you work in uniform, do you carry a wallet in your back pocket?

Karen

[Juiceflight]

What you're describing sounds very similar to the back pain I suffered with last season. It was on my right side only, seems to be located in the muscles and begins after about an hour in the saddle. Getting off the bike and stretching the back and hip flexors would relieve it for a few miles, but it always came back. I'd like to hear some ideas too.