Back Pain while Cycling

Chiropractors often tell people to be careful about overdoing high-impact sports, and that’s good advice. But the athletes who rank among the most frequent sufferers of lower back pain are cyclists. We want patients at Morgan Chiropractic in Anchorage to understand the importance of varying their routines, which is why we’re devoting this week’s blog post to common cycling mistakes.


A bike shop should be able to adjust a bike to fit a new owner. While lower back pain is common even among professional cyclists who can afford the best equipment, a bicycle that forces the rider to extend their back too much isn’t doing them any favors. Getting a hand-me-down bike and not getting it adjusted is false economy, since frequent riders will pay for it in physical therapy later.


Regardless of their equipment, cyclists need to maintain their core strength. When the muscles supporting the lumbar vertebrae are weak, they give out faster, particularly when pushing uphill. This allows the spine to sway and wear through its cushioning. Remember, the abdominal core muscles are not the ones visible from outside. Also, remember the importance of doing dynamic stretches to warm up the hamstrings before riding and of doing cool-downs afterward.


Dr. Loren Morgan is located at Morgan Chiropractic at 11260 Old Seward Hwy Suite 106, Anchorage, Alaska, 99515. To schedule an appointment, visit Morgan Chiropractic or call 907-646-2211,


 

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