Pay attention to the issues between the lumbar spine and cycling
For those who sit in the office for a long time, poor posture and lack of activity often lead to lower back pain and fatigue, as well as the risk of deformation and even nerve compression, which can cause sciatica. So, what about cycling? Today, let’s explore the relationship between the lumbar spine and cycling together.
Lumbar disc herniation is mainly caused by the protrusion or rupture of the lumbar disc, which causes the internal nucleus pulposus to overflow and compress the nerves. This kind of protrusion may not necessarily have symptoms, and discomfort only occurs when it compresses the nerves. The main function of intervertebral discs is to serve as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, similar to the shock absorbers of bicycles. However, when the intervertebral disc is impacted by external forces, long-term poor posture, or incorrect movement methods, it is possible to cause lumbar disc herniation..
When sitting, the pressure on the spine is greater than when standing or lying flat. Incorrect sitting posture can further increase the pressure on the spine, so prolonged sitting or poor posture can easily lead to lumbar disc herniation. In addition, frequent handling of heavy objects or maintaining poor exercise posture for a long time may also lead to symptoms of lumbar disc herniation..
Incorrect riding posture during cycling can also lead to back pain. Some car enthusiasts may experience severe pain in their back and lower limbs due to insufficient rest time or sudden road conditions, which may worsen symptoms of lumbar disc displacement and protrusion..
Therefore, car enthusiasts need to ensure that their riding posture is correct to reduce the risk of lumbar spine injury. Choosing the appropriate frame size, seat cushion position, and grip position is very important. At the same time, special attention should also be paid to the posture and placement of feet when stepping. It is crucial to maintain a posture where the pelvis is upright and the back is arched while riding. This arched posture is like the back of a cat and can effectively prevent lumbar disc herniation. Because when the spine is in an arched state, it is like a spring that can effectively alleviate the pressure caused by various bumpy road conditions. For animals on all fours, this is also the secret to their ability to walk freely in various complex terrains..
The problem of lumbar disc protrusion is almost non-existent during cycling, and the arched posture of the bike can actually strengthen the rider’s core muscle group. During cycling, the abdominal muscles play a role in maintaining the riding posture, making the rider more flexible. Especially when riding a curved road bike, this phenomenon of arching is more pronounced than riding a flat road bike. However, some cyclists may not be accustomed to this riding style, leading to the formation of an S-shaped spine, which may increase the risk of lumbar disc injury. Meanwhile, cyclists also need to avoid excessive compression of the perineum to avoid issues such as numbness or sexual dysfunction. Therefore, cyclists should rest appropriately during long-distance cycling..
In fact, the correct riding posture can help relax the lumbar spine. The forward leaning posture during cycling can change the angle of the lumbar spine, pull open the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine, reduce pressure in the lumbar spinal cavity, and reduce nerve compression. The human lumbar spine exhibits different curves in different situations. Comparing the angle between the lumbar vertebrae while standing and cycling, we can observe that the angle between the first and fifth lumbar vertebrae while standing is 28.1 degrees. However, when cycling, due to the rider’s body tilting forward,.
