Biking Without Back Pain: Here's How
By Virginia Laird
Biking is one of my favorite summer activities. It is easy to take the kids along, and enjoy a leisurely ride to the park. For this reason, along with many others across the nation, we hit the bike trails weekly throughout the summertime. Still, for many, riding a bike can cause a great deal of back pain. Chiropractors suggest that although biking is a low-impact activity, it can prove to be a struggle for those who struggle with back issues. Chiropractors teach that there are many tips to follow when it comes to biking that can help prevent such pain from taking over your ride. These tips include:
- Stretch before beginning your ride
- Adjust your seat and handlebars correctly
- Take breaks often
Stretch Before Beginning Your Ride
Chiropractors teach their patients that stretching prior to any exercise can help prevent back pain. This includes biking. Although it may not appear that biking is hard on the back, the posture one must keep to ride can prove to be too much for many. Chiropractors advise that stretching before, as well as after, your ride can help release tension which can prevent and manage back pain. There is nothing worse than being really excited to hit the pavement only to have pain stop you in your tracks. Start today and add stretching as part of your pre-ride routine.
Adjust Your Seat and Handlebars Correctly
Believe it or not, there is a correct way to adjust your bike's handlebars and seat. Improperly adjusting them can cause you to adhere to poor posture as you ride the trails. Chiropractors suggest that taking the time to make sure you have your bike adjusted in all the right places is the key in preventing back pain. Check here for help as to how you should adjust your seat and handlebars. Make sure to give this a try before you head out on your next bike ride.
Take Breaks Often
Another tip that chiropractors suggest is that you take breaks along your route. Research suggests that sitting for long periods of time can cause tension to build in the spine, which can lead to back pain. The same is true for biking. It is suggested that you stop every half hour. While you are stopped, chiropractors encourage you to walk a bit which can help the muscles of the back to relax, releasing any tension. It is also a good idea to stretch lightly. Consider making this change to your biking time right away.
For those who suffer with back pain that seems to be unbeatable, it may be wise to consider dropping by for an adjustment at The Joint Chiropractic in your community. With more than 450 locations nationwide you are sure to find one nearby. And with no appointment necessary, getting seen can be as easy as dropping by just before or after your bike ride.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.