How Cycling Aggravates Back Pain
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How much ever you may want to deny it or want to go on following what you were also ways told in school by your Physical Training Instructor or folks at home, you have to accept that things have gone through a sea change. There has been a continuous research happening in the field of exercise. Therefore what was considered right till yesterday may not hold the grounds today. Cycling is just one such form of physical exercise. Or shall we call it exertion?
Pedaling is a very strenuous job that stresses your calves. Stressed and therefore tight calves, lead to flattened feet with major stress on the knees, heel cord and planter fascia. Quadriceps bears major stress brunt when you are cycling.
These days there are stylish cycles available in the shops. On these cycles, while cycling you tilt in the front and bend your back. They cause the worst kind of damage that cycling can. You need to realize that the bent over cycling position causes tightness in the quadriceps and hip flexors. Pelvis shifts out of the optimal position and tilts forward. This is the starting point for muscle imbalance and lower back pain. There is strain on abdomen also. Plus pedaling by tilting forward affects your hamstrings. As a result they are overworked and get tightened. Your shoulders and middle of the back are worst hit. Every aspect of this kind of bent over cycling damages various parts of our body quite badly. If you have already developed a back pain as a result of cycling for long and continuously and you still insist on cycling your neck will start getting affected. The strain will reach there.
If you are fit and cycling always be careful about your posture while cycling. You should also make sure that you don’t over cycle. Treat it like any other form of exercise and understand that excess of it is bad like any other exercise. If you have back pain avoid cycling altogether. If you develop it as a result of cycling stop cycling and see a doctor. Once you are fit again and ready to cycle don’t over do it. Check out the latest designs in cycle before buying one and see which one suits your body and fitness better rather than going for style.
Hi Purva,
Well I would like to add swimming too…so what do you think about it???
I have a prolapsed disc but would still like to cycle. I presume in a upright position is best. What about supsuspension, should i be looking at front or rear, both or none. Any recommendations?
Great article! If you watch the professionel cyclists from 20 and more years ago, how they are curved over their cycles, I wonder how they are walking right now…
I recommend a reclining bike for anyone who enjoyes biking. It gives you a better view as well
I’m Not So Sure About This Surgeon
Picking a surgeon you trust your back to can be a traumatic decision. We like to think all doctors are fully qualified and competent in their specialties, but we also all know it’s not true. Your regular doctor will probably be the person who picks the first surgeon you see. But it’s important to know you don’t have to stick with the surgeon your doctor picks if he or she fails to meet your expectations. If you have any doubts at all about your surgeon, then you need to find another one. You have the right to have your medical records transferred so it’s not like you’re starting all over again. You should make sure you ask the surgeon any question on your mind. A lot of people get shy around doctors or just accept everything they say without question. Doctors are human too, don’t forget. You need to feel completely comfortable with the person who will be operating on you.
Only a moron would believe this! Tired calves lead to flat feet??? You are suppose to cycle with flat feet Purva! get a fucking clue! I bet you ride a specialized, thats why you get back pain! Serves you right! Wank……. TREK MOTHER FUCKER!!!!!!
When you visit your doctor for the first time about your back pain, there are several simple tests he or she will do. The doctor wants to find out if you have any spine problems or if the pain is coming from the muscles surrounding the spine. Diagnosing the source of back pain can be hard to do and the doctor isn’t going to jump to any conclusions without testing. The tests start real simple and then get progressively more complicated if necessary.
The first step in diagnosing back pain is the simple office physical. The doctor will have you lie on your back and will lift each leg straight up. If there’s no pain in the leg when this is done there’s probably no nerve damage. The doctor will also test for reflexes, muscle strength and skin sensations. As you can tell the physician is looking for signs any nerves are damaged. It’s good news if you pass these first tests.
You can visit The Back Pain Site for low back pain information and tips