NaBlade

Before I consult my doctor, has anyone experienced this kind of pain? The pain is located around the lower back, radiating towards the buttocks and no further (i.e. legs feel fine). It's a tolerable but deep nagging pain (always there at low intensity), i.e. tolerable enough until I do anything that stretches my back, then it hurts really bad. I've had sharp pain before in the lower back and I know how that feels, but this is something new to me.

It started yesterday morning. The night before that I did an ordinary 1.5 hour ride, there was no pain during or immediately after this ride. I woke up yesterday morning with the dull pain. Then yesterday afternoon, I rode again. Thought I'd just try it and quit early if the back hurt. Surprisingly there was ZERO pain on the bike. So I did my usual 2.5 hour ride with no discomfort at all. Today, the pain is still there, but no worse than yesterday.

I usually can tell what caused a body pain but I don't remember doing anything that might have caused this. I didn't increase my distance over my usual, between 1.5 and 2.5 are regular rides for me.

Help? Any ideas? Any past experiences?

Creakyknees

don't assume it's the bike. could be your job, workspace, general stress, changes in routine, been too long since you did core work, etc

rogerstg

After a number of back strains, etc - none bike related - I have your exact symptoms. For me it's simply sciatica from the nerves being irritated. I ice the area whenever it starts to bother me. Sometimes I ice it proactively after a long ride.

This was the advice from my chiropractor (who I only see intermittently whenever I do something stupid that needs to be fixed)

SteelCan

OP, Can you ride no-hands comfortably? (trying to assess whether you can ride with a straight back)
Anyway one suggestion is to add a spacer beneath the handlebar. (yes I'm aware you are comfy riding)
BTW as you likely know, best time to stretch is AFTER the ride. (and don't forget about back bends)

DScott

It depends. Not unusual, but also could be treatable/fixable. Best to see a good ortho who can evaluate your particular situation.

CRSturdivant

I had exactly the same lower back issues you are describing, and through yoga, I have almost completely eliminated the pain. I highly suggest doing some basic back stretches on the floor right when you wake up in the morning, and before you go to bed. I keep it light, maybe 5-10 minutes of stretching, and it does wonders.

wirelessness

I doubt your back pain is being caused by cycling. I have degenerative disc disease and 3 bulging discs. Cycling is one of the main activities that eases the pain I often have. For me lifestyle activities have the most impact positive or negative. Negatives; sitting, driving, bending, lifting, typing (sitting), etc. Positives; cycling, walking, yoga, core strength, flexibility, etc.

We don't know anything about your age and lifestyle so its hard to guess. What I have learned is that if given an MRI, most people 40+ would show signs of ddd and disc bulging. Not all those people exhibit pain due to different lifestyles. If it gets worse see q Dr and get some good PT that helps a lot.