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.