Schmadley

My lower back has always been a problem and even though I try and stretch when I can (mostly after rides), it is still a little stiff and tight for a few hours after riding. My ride distances are between 35 and 75km (22 to46mi), and I only tend to ride every 2 days due to work commitments so I have time to recover between rides.

I have seen something advertised in cycling magazines called a 'posture pole' and am wondering if anyone has one and would they recommend the use if it.

Thanks.....

DataJunkie

This may sound bizarre but since I started doing core work my lower back problems have disappeared. The last century I rode had no lower back discomfort. Where as I used to frequently have issues with it due to an old injury.

txvintage

And here I thought this was going to have something to do with strobe lights and chrome poles. Sigh.

I've had three back surgeries, with one being what is known as a full cage fusion using titanium inserts to stabalize the two vertebrae. The best thing you can do is work on your core and continue to ride. It's amaziing how many people I know with back trouble that find riding is very theraputic. Try spening some more time in the drops and let your body stretch out.

As always, check with your doc if this is an ongoing issue.

Keepfiring

+1 on core work helping back stuff, with the usual disclaimer that your problem may not be the same as my problem. In any event, you chose the right season to consider getting a pole, just in time for festivus!

carpediemracing 

For me, too, doing lower back work helped me. I've had a few debilitating back incidents over the last 15 years or so. These are where I either collapsed or simply couldn't straighten from a hunched over position. I went for MRIs after one last year (that was a collapse) and the doc reported that I have "a bunch of ruptured and bulging disks. Nothing to worry about."

Last year and earlier this fall I stopped doing some of my core exercises. Other incidents followed periods of extremely high stress.

I used to avoid doing deadlifts, thinking that would hurt my back, but that was one of the best things I do for my back. My core is reasonable too, but I definitely focus a bit on my lower back.

I find a long, low, stretched out position is much more comfortable than a half-upright one, where I feel like I'm inbetween positions. I like sitting on the bike, leaning forward until my back is pretty much level (and it would require effort to bend over more), and stay in that position for the ride.

Your mileage may vary,
cdr