Possible inadvertent solution to reduce my lower back pain

[Jon George]

After an over-adventurous bum-in-the-air experience at Herne Hill the other Sunday (Great time @stevevw ) I suffered a few days of lower back pain. Once I got out on my own bike again, I decided to experiment with seeing if I could reduce the chance of it occurring again. (I normal start suffering twinges after 30 miles or so, even though I'm confident I've set the bike up correctly.) On a whim, I got out of the saddle for anything other than a slight rise. I've just had two consecutive days of longish rides and I've taken to it like the proverbial duck - with no pain. I may not ever be able to emulate the likes of Contador, but out of the saddle seems to work for me as it does for him.

 

[ColinJ]

When I was carrying 5+ stone of blubber, I couldn't pedal standing up for long before getting knackered. I am now nearly 5 stone lighter and finding standing a lot easier - it helps ease my back too.

I just need to start doing some stretching and core exercises and I think my back pain should become a thing of the past.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

I don't get back pain, but on the really long rides I've noticed getting out of the saddle and stretching my back muscles a bit (with a bit of leaning backwards) helps ease any discomfort. I'm happy to hear it works for you, @Jon George .

 

[ScotiaLass]

I have arthritis in my upper and lower spine. I do try to stand up as often as I can, but the arthritis in my knees doesn't like it much on hills!!
(I know, I'm falling to bits!)
I have stretching exercises from the physio, and if on a longer ride (or whenever I feel 'tight') I do these.
I must admit it looks pretty weird, but it works!