Sore back

[IanWood]

Guys,

I have only done two races so far, but the the overwhelming problem I have having is a sore back.

Since Feb I have been commuting 14 miles a day with no problems, but during the races soon after starting my back starts to get sore.

I use the same bike and just remove the rack and put on bigger tyres.

Are there any exercises I could do to strengthen my back?

Any help would be appreciated,

Cheers

Ian

 

[onlyhuman]

Where is it sore?

 

[IanWood]

Lower back - the first race I did the pain/soreness went as soon as I got off the bike. There were two foot high barriers were you needed to carry the bike over - it was then I noticed how quickly the pain went.

 

[onlyhuman]

Well, the usual advice is that building core body strength is good for lower back pain.

 

[Dave5N]

Longer frame/stem is the usual best advice.

 

[jpembroke]

or shorter frame/stem for more upright position

 

[IanWood]

Cheers -

Will try some sit ups maybe...

 

[jpembroke]

If it's any consolation I often get lower back pain in races - usually at the start - but find it goes after a few laps. Cross is tough work on your body: constantly shifting position as you dismount, run, jump, remount, ride steep banks, descend, take tight turns. Plus the rigid nature of the bike which gives your body a real pounding. It's pretty relentless really. I think you'll find you'll get stronger and the back pain should decrease as you adjust to the sport.

 

[onlyhuman]

Cheers -

Will try some sit ups maybe...

If you actually want to achieve something, you'll need to do a range of appropriate exercises over an extended period. My approach is to do the exercises while watching tv. I tell myself I am not allowed to watch sports programmes unless I am exercising at the same time.

 

[lady_rider]

Yoga yoga yoga... I had chronic lower back pain for two years. Lots of chiropractor money later, I took up yoga. After three weeks of easing into it gently, the pain was gone.

 

[palinurus]

Cross hurts in places normal cycling can't get to. I'm just starting to understand that improving core strength helps. Many different approaches to that, do some Googling.

 

[IanWood]

Thanks for all the replies so far, glad to hear other people also have similar experiences. I expect as I get better it will resolve, but it was still surprising quite how sore it was.

 

[Blott's Mate]

Pilates