JasBike

I started riding regularly again after a four or five month hiatus, and after about two miles of brisk riding, my lower back begins to hurt enough to dissuade me from riding further. I havn't changed anything on my bike as far as geometry goes, and I was wondering what are some common causes of lower back pain while riding? Maybe my lower back is just out of shape from the hiatus? I am only seventeen, so it is also possible I grew or something which would call for a change in my bikes geo... who knows, any wisdom you guys can impact upon me would be great.

DannoXYZ 

Keep your hands on top of the handlebars and don't grip, just rest them on top. It's the pulling motion on the handlebars that works the back...

JasBike

I'll try that, I do tend to pump a lot with my arms/back.

Heaterguy

My recommendation is get yourself to a doctor. Back pain is indicative of many things. While the position of your hands may have something to do with it the problem may also be how much you are hyperextended while riding.
If you are very active athletically or do any type of lifting you may have herniated a disc. It may be a minor problem for now but could become worse as you get older.
Most doctors won't send you for an MRI unless there is pain associated with the disc problem. If it is a lower back disc problem you would have pain radiating into one of your legs. Where that pain is located is indicative of the disc injury.
I live with three herniated discs in my lower back. I ride a hybrid bike so that I ride more upright. On long rides and tours I make sure I stretch before the ride and that I get off the bike hourly and stretch.
Advil helps reduce the swelling around the disc.
By the way, I am originally from CT now living inTX.

Good luck.

Blackberry

Good advice. I had blinding pain in my back eight months ago. The only comfortable position I could find was lying flat on my back. My doctor referred me to a chiropractor--although a physical therapist would work too. He gave me a stretching and core conditioning program that made all the difference. After about six or eight weeks of stretching, I began some short rides. Last Sunday, I was able to complete the metric century of the "Blue Ridge Extreme" with almost 7,000 feet of vertical climbing.

The point is that the right diagnosis and program of therapy (and maybe higher handlebars) could make a world of difference.

JasBike

Thanks for the advice, but I tried not using so much pumping when I ride, and that solved it. I was never very concerned about it being a severe injury, because I knew it was lower back muscle pain, and was very isolated to those muscles in that region.


Thanks though.

Walkafire

...Crunches

Helped me

jqnj

Stretch well before and after. Helps keep the fire under control.