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  #1  
Old 9 Jul 2007
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Unhappy Back Ache / Back Pain


Hi friends,

I have a bike that I have ride sometimes. I have to ride it for long hours at some trips. Yesterday I made 650 kms in 8 hours. Stopped 3 hours between.

Long trips make my back ache a lot. Sure yours too.

I know the best solution is have a rest (on bed?), yes but what else can be done?
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  #2  
Old 9 Jul 2007
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Best solution
Putting unusual strain on your lower back, as a multihour bike ride, is going to kill your back if you aren't prepared for it. I had some back problem some years ago. Was easily solved with excercising the lower back muscles. We are not talking hours and hours in the fitness club. It realy doesn't take all that much.

Obviously you should check with your doctor, but for a description of the excercises, your local fitness instructor will have the knowledge to guide you.

Preperation is the best "medicin".

But, when the damage is done, you can try hanging for a couple of minutes in your arms on some child swings. Realy give that back a good stretch. Will loosen things up a bit, but not solve your problem in the long run. For the long run, excercise your lower back muscles. That's your best bet.
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  #3  
Old 9 Jul 2007
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As Mc Thros says, strengthening your core muscles is the main thing - Pilates is pretty good as there are a few key exercises you can do ..... and best of all no equipment is needed so you can do them anywhere. Best thing is to do a short course - or borrow a book from the library/look on the internet.
The other thing is to wear a kidney belt - usually used for off roading. I have a fabric one with hard plastic strip inderts. It helps with supporting your back but also keeps it warm (if you're somewhere cold/wet) and stops the muscles cramping.
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  #4  
Old 9 Jul 2007
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I agree with what Mermaid said get your self a kidney belt I have been wearing one for years
I find it makes you sit up better on the bike and helps with the back pain
It will be the best £20 you ever spend
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  #5  
Old 9 Jul 2007
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I have had a bulging disk for nearly twenty years (more recently exascerbated by the fact I'm becoming a fat lazy bastard). An airhawk seat cushion has definitely helped, but the biggest help has been a quality kidney belt. I've found the belts built into new jackets are pretty good, but I still find my proper elasticised belt best for long trips. The worst damage to my back comes after camping on the ground (I'm supposed to be in denial about this). The airhawk and belt have it sorted out in the first hour back on the bike.

cheers Brett
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  #6  
Old 9 Jul 2007
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Hi,

I broke my back a few years ago at L2. My back aches after a long day but, as said, a kidney belt helps a lot. Mine is actually a 5 section Dianese body armour belt, so it provides a lot of protection (bit paranoid about breaking my back for some reason! ) support and warmth, which also helps.

I also try to keep the pillion area of my seat free of luggage so I can move my butt back and forwards, which also gives some relief.

A few short breaks are probably better than one long one as well.

Matt
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  #7  
Old 9 Jul 2007
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achey backs
Hi,

this is one of the reasons that I teach yoga to bikers - there are so many of us carrying injuries, coping with life on the road and lack of proper beds and baths, riding bikes that aren't always the most ergonomically friendly...

Some of the advice given above sounds very sensible, but if may add yoga as a suggestion too. Please don't think it's all for ladies of a certain age in leotards - it does really help. I've taught it to people who've had really bad backs, and it's made an immense difference. I personally use it to prepare for riding, whilst I'm riding, and to ease off the aches when I stop, and for me, you just can't beat it :-)
The best way to find local classes is to find the governing body for your country - in the UK it's the British Wheel of Yoga, and then find an accredited teacher in your area (worth checking, since it takes two years to qualify with the British Wheel in the UK, but anyone can set themselves up as a teacher without having properly trained). Alternatively, speak to your local doctor/chiropractor to see who they'd recommend (I have a local friendly chiropractor who thinks yoga's amazing for bikers too!).

Good luck - and happy riding :-)
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  #8  
Old 21 Oct 2008
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Vicodin!
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  #9  
Old 21 Oct 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Gray Wolf View Post
Vicodin!
= Dependancy.
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  #10  
Old 16 Dec 2008
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drunk more puss befurr retyrring....

headache next day makes you forget about the aching back....
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