LOWER BACK
Adjustment of the bicycle:
Complaints of the lower back can occur when the distance between
saddle and handlebars is too short and/or the difference in
height between saddle and handlebars is too large. It is common
practice to fit a shorter handle-bar pen in case of complaints
of the lower back. The experience of bikefitting.com shows that
in most cases pain in the lower back can be relieved by adopting
a relatively long reach of the upper body, combined with a negligible
difference in height between saddle and handlebars. This leads
to the spinal column being stretched and results in less tension
between the individual vertebrae.
If the saddle is pointed upwards (
saddle
lifts), the pelvis is tilted backwards and leads to
the lower back being curved more than average. This will result
in an increased pressure on the (static) muscles of the lower
back. In general, the saddle should be fitted horizontally.
The saddle should also be regularly checked to ensure it is
still straight, especially at the point where the seat-bones
make contact the saddle. Often saddles get warped when the cyclist
does not sit upright on his bicycle. A saddle can also become
warped as a result of a fall. In either case, the only remedy
is to renew the saddle!
Physical causes:
Every form of asymmetry, however small, will eventually lead
to complaints of the lower back. It is no longer a question
if cyclists develop these complaints, but when, and at which
intensity.
Asymmetry can occur as a result of a difference in length of
the legs. Research shows (Stevens, 1998) that 46% of the cyclists
has a difference in length of the legs. It is recommended to
correct even the slightest difference in length of the legs
(Petracic, 1993). A difference in length of legs can be corrected
by using an additional sole in the shoe or by heightening the
shoe cleat at the outer side of the sole of the shoe. As a rule,
a difference in the lower legs must be corrected fully; a difference
in the upper legs by 50%. It is also remarkable that, in case
of a difference in length of the legs, the
shorter leg receives most of the pressure. Correcting
this difference by using cranks with different lengths is out
of the question! This would only reinforce the asymmetry because,
as a result of using a longer crank (i.e., a longer lever),
the shorter leg would endure more pressure!
Asymmetry is also very often a consequence of an imbalance in
the pelvis and has the same effect on the cycling movement as
with a difference in length of the legs; however, this problem
requires a different solution and should be solved through physiotherapy.
Finally, the position of the feet also deserves attention because
a deviation in the position of the ankle/foot can also result
in a "difference in length of the legs".
Research conducted by Ekkelboom at Erasmus University in Rotterdam
shows that an estimated 70-80% of the people sooner or later
develop complaints of the lower back. The sacro-iliac (IC) joint
plays a crucial part in these complaints. In case of complaints
of the lower back, this joint should always be examined by a
physiotherapist.