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.