Persistent lower back pain, need help.

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Also move it back a bit, would expect the rails to have markings.. Better yet, take and post a pic

 

[dude7691]

Also move it back a bit, would expect the rails to have markings.. Better yet, take and post a pic

Yep they do have markings, one every 5mm so I know how far I'm going I'll move it back 2mm to begin with and go from there. I won't touch my saddle height for now, as moving it back will have the 2:1 effect of raising it just a slight bit. I'll be taking a few days to rest my back now anyway seeing as I do have a very light pull on the left side

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Go back 5mm at least

 

[dude7691]

Go back 5mm at least

I will do, but I'll do that over the course of 2-3 rides as I don't want to shock my body with a big change, I've learned my lesson from that. Re-leveling the saddle alone should be a noticeable difference.

 

[cyberknight]

That's what I was thinking. I would want to be leaning forward and much more stretched out, not with a shorter stem giving an even more upright position! And the saddle a bit higher...

Only change one thing at a time, in small steps, and don't go crazy when testing new positions or you won't know if any pain is due to overdoing things or just by making the position worse!

I agree the position just looks wrong , i know we dont all agree KOPs is right but its a starting point so i dis this

Looks like the OP is miles to far forward , there is an article about point of balance and saddle set back
https://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/bikefit/2011/05/seat-set-back-for-road-bikes/
as a basic bike fit i like this
https://wheel-easy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/bike-set-up-2017a.pdf

 

[Milkfloat]

I agree, saddle back by a minimum of 5mm, up by a couple of cm at least and bend your arms so they work like shock absorbers.

 

[kingrollo]

Off the bike

Stand up - bend and touch your toes

Then

Lie on stomach raise your neck and head and shoulders


As a rule of thumb position 2 will hurt if it's facet joints - and ease slightly if it's a disc problem.

Don't assume an upright position is better for your back. IME something is causing you're back to spasm - could be disc, arthritis, or just tight hamstrings.

I'd also throw £50 at some decent shorts assuming your riding with those in picture.

 

[vickster]

Off the bike

Stand up - bend and touch your toes

Then

Lie on stomach raise your neck and head and shoulders


As a rule of thumb position 2 will hurt if it's facet joints - and ease slightly if it's a disc problem.

Don't assume an upright position is better for your back. IME something is causing you're back to spasm - could be disc, arthritis, or just tight hamstrings.

I'd also throw £50 at some decent shorts assuming your riding with those in picture.

Those look like his pants so hopefully not?!

He’s 17 I think, arthritis is unlikely?

Much more likely a simple case of unconditioned new cyclist trying to overdo it on a poorly set up bike.

 

[kingrollo]

Those look like his pants so hopefully not?!

He’s 17 I think, arthritis is unlikely?

Much more likely a simple case of unconditioned new cyclist trying to overdo it on a poorly set up bike.

Missed that bit about op being 17

Totally agree on you're second point - overuse too much too soon most likely culprit. Position not noticeably terrible IMO - sure fine tuning required .

Cycle gently - get in an easy gear for the hills.

 

[rivers]

I would take some time off the bike until the back pain subsides. You could be making worse at the minute by continuing to ride. Once the pain subsides, book in for a basic bike fit at a local shop in order to get your saddle height and bar height set. Then stop fiddling with settings and ride for a bit. But until you let your back settle, anything you do to the bike could just continue to make things work.

 

[straas]

Get a call with your GP.

I had severe lower back pain due to inflammation. It's very common and your GP will know exactly what's needed.

 

[cyberknight]

Missed that bit about op being 17

Totally agree on you're second point - overuse too much too soon most likely culprit. Position not noticeably terrible IMO - sure fine tuning required .

Cycle gently - get in an easy gear for the hills.

I hammered the hills yesterday really felt it on the hamstrings

 

[kingrollo]

@dude7691 - these are great pre and post ride exercises - I use these all the time now - only takes 5 minutes.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uctnH1YHsW0

 

[Fab Foodie]

I agree the position just looks wrong , i know we dont all agree KOPs is right but its a starting point so i dis this
View attachment 539731
Looks like the OP is miles to far forward , there is an article about point of balance and saddle set back
https://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/bikefit/2011/05/seat-set-back-for-road-bikes/
as a basic bike fit i like this
https://wheel-easy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/bike-set-up-2017a.pdf

If you ignore the crank length bit, the rest is a very good explaination of 'Balance' on a bike:
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.php

I agree, the position looks all wrong, but can't yet figure why! Long legs and short back methinks, but certainly saddle UP first and then back for starters.

 

[dude7691]

If you ignore the crank length bit, the rest is a very good explaination of 'Balance' on a bike:
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.php

I agree, the position looks all wrong, but can't yet figure why! Long legs and short back methinks, but certainly saddle UP first and then back for starters.

Thank you for that, I'll have a good look at it and will be following position advice on my near future rides