Actually it’s an incomplete headline. Not only does cycling aggravate back pain, it also sometimes is the sole cause for it! For people who think cycling is the best form of exercise, it helps all body parts to get their share of exercise and movement, helps breathing etc are thinking right but partly so. Cycling does all the above but when its done correctly. In correct rhythm, in correct posture and for a short time. Honestly, how many of us really know the difference between the right ways of cycling from the wrong?
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.
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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
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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!!!!!!
hahahhahaahahahaha
hhahahahahahahahahahahahaa
Trek, haha
thats exactly what i wanted to say to the writer..way to go man..
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
Well that was different, please don’t hold back your feelings Dan, let us know how you really feel.
i disagree….i dont think that cycling results in back or neck pain as long as you are fit properly to your bike (whatever brand you fancy) and using proper technique-same as any sport….running isnt bad for your knees, unless you’re running improperly or have a preexisting imbalance in flexibility or strength…and of course you shouldnt go out and go crazy long with any new exercise-that would be improper training and can certainly result in pain and dysfunction..i am more and more disgruntled by the constant disservice to people trying to learn and being presented with such black and white information
You stupid bunch idiots…
Die die die… you holes…
If your cycle causes you back pain, fuck it hard in her valves every morning and make that hole big you morons.
good English Nautanki. “You stupid bunch idiots”
Ok Nautanki,
Your 15 seconds of fame are up. Put on the strait jacket again and crawl back under the rock
I was just imagine about it and you provided me the correct information I really bookmark it,for further reading,So thanks for sharing the information.p90x
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I was suffering lower back pain for weeks and after a couple long bike rides it was gone! Depending on the cause of the back pain cycling I think cycling can actually eliminate back pain. Sometimes the cause of the back pain is a sedentary lifestyle or weakness in the core muscles. Bike riding helps in those areas.
Hi David Marquez,
I just continue to do as you suggested and by back pain is gone now. Wow! I too was suffering from lower back pain for weeks. (I started cycling after a break of 30 years). I am glad that there are good people like you making excellent comments that works.
any time u can cal Ur own doctor all the 365 days he vl be aviable on the ground for the people to solve their medical prob
the writer of this article is a moron.she doesn’t has a clue what she is talking about.Only an improperly fitted cycle would give u back pain so get it corrected ask people get help.don’t form an opinion like “cycling gives u back pain”.get your head examined.Don’t deter people from taking up cycling.
You guys can have your wannabe sponsored Lycra suits and ride in pelotons to the local cafe for a latte. Good posture in youth leads to a comfortable old age. Back straight, shoulders back and chest out. Go cycling and your hunched over like Quasimoto with your neck out like a turtle. May feel good now, but it’ll come back to bite you in years to come. Even Cadel Evans, who knows more about the dynamics of the sport than anyone on this post, dreads the day when it all catches up with him.