Why Cyclists Are At Risk for Back Pain

There are a lot of factors that can impact our backs while riding a bicycle. The design of the bike, our posture, the bumps, and more can cause inflammation, jamming/jarring, and muscle strain. There are measures you can take to avoid some of these. If the back pain is already there, it is time to see a chiropractor. Dr. Pete Lazarnick and his team, serving the Carrollton, GA area, would like to help keep you out of pain or relieve it if you are already there.

Risks for Back Pain

There are several factors that contribute to back pain when riding a bicycle. The most common include:

Poor Posture

Overarching or improper sitting while riding can cause misalignment of the vertebrae and lead back muscles to have to overcompensate supporting the back. 

Overdoing It

While the leg burn gets most of the attention, it is easy to miss the warning signs of the back when it is ready to relax. This can lead to strain and inflammation in addition to the pain of the workout.

Bumpy Terrain

The spinal column is not designed for dealing with our seats being jammed upward, which can (most likely) lead to misalignment of the vertebrae and discs as well as muscle strain.

How to Prevent Back Pain

Proper Posture

Be sure that you and the bicycle are a proper fit for each other. Make sure the handlebars aren’t too far forward, the seat is comfortable, and the pedal rotation is smooth for your hips and back.

Minding Our Limits

It doesn’t take long for the first ride to overexert our core. Pay attention to your body’s signals.

Accommodating Terrain

If it is time for a nature ride, be sure the bicycle is designed to accommodate the terrain. 

How a Chiropractor Can Help Relieve Back Pain

Spinal Adjustment

Shocks to the spine during a ride almost certainly misalign the vertebrae. By fixing this, the spine will feel relief and the back muscles that were working to compensate can relax.

Massage Therapy

Muscles that have been overworked or have been inflamed can benefit from the improved circulation of a massage.

If you are in the Carrollton, GA, area and want to know how to keep your back safe or to improve your back pain, ask Dr. Pete Lazarnick! Contact our office at 770-832-2226 to schedule a consultation.