Best Bike for Lower Back Pain

Yes, you’re getting older and you decided that it might be time to start riding to help your lower back. To find the best bike for lower back pain it’s important to be able to understand how and why your lower back is hurting so that you are able to make the correct decision for yourself.

When you are choosing a bicycle for lower back pain, it is important to make sure that along with your bicycle you purchase you are focusing on how the bicycle fits as well.

Second, outside of the specific bicycle, you also may want to learn about bicycle saddles that are helpful with keeping your pelvis, most relaxed. I’m a huge proponent of carved bicycle saddles because it helps with the pelvic region and lower back positioning.

There are different types of bicycles that are great, though it is generally agreed that cycling is great for your back.

In this post we will discuss which bikes are the best types of bicycles that are best for lower back pain. We also discuss some causes of lower back pain and if cycling is good for the lower back. We round out the publication with knowledge surrounding the best bike for lower back pain and included alternatives.

By the end of this post you should have a well rounded understanding of how a bicycle will help your lower back and how to choose the best bike for your lower back.

Why am I getting lower back pain on my bike?

If you are riding and your bicycle fit is incorrect, then your lower back may suffer. When your bicycle is fit incorrectly, then you may not be getting the correct blood flow to that section of the body.

You are also bumping into the possibility of posture issues when your body is not meant to be placed in the position that you are forcing it into.

When riding, make sure to also find that you are on the gear with the least resistance possible. This will put less fatigue on the knees, legs, thighs, gluteus and consequently your lower back.

These are the two main reasons why riding with lower back pain may be causing an issue for you.

Is cycling good for lower back pain?

Yes, cycling is good for lower back pain. Talk to your doctor and physical therapist to find the best recommendation for you.

Typically 30 minutes a day of comfortable biking will cause major improvements in your riding as long as you are able to maintain the consistency.

Riding 30 minutes every other day for one week will do far more for your body than riding 1.5-2 hours each week, once a week.

The lower back will receive a massage and blood flow to the area to be able to heal itself over time when working out multiple times a week, rather than only doing so once a week.

Best Bike for Lower Back Pain

The best bike for lower back pain will typically be either a recumbent bicycle or a stationary bicycle. This is the most recommended bicycle if your back is in a level of pain that is intense and you are in need of physical therapy treatment.

Now if you are a cyclist and you have a problem with your lower back aching from time to time and would like to find some relief, your options open up far more.

Cycling with a randonneur bicycle, a touring bicycle or a road bicycle are fantastic options. The reason being is that you are able to ride very far distances and very often.

These bicycles are fitted to their cyclist very well and allow maximized comfort as they ride 50, 60, 100, 200+ miles for rides.

If you have a small amount of lower back pain, this is a fantastic sport to get into because of the minimal impact to the body, and the ability to excel despite the small overuse injury in the body.

Why is Recumbent Bike the Best Bike for Lower Back Pain?

A recumbent bike is great for lower back pain because unlike other bicycles that have a bicycle saddle Recumbent bicycles have a bicycle seat.

The reason why this distinction is important is because a bicycle seat means that you place all of your weight on the seat itself. This reliefs the lower back of all pressure and need to flex as you continue to ride.

The legs are doing the majority of the work while the lower back receives all of the circulatory benefits.

A recumbent bicycle is also comfortable, in some cases can be quicker than other options, and come in stationary options as well.

Are there any other suggestions for bicycles for lower back pain?

Yes, hybrid bicycles are fantastic as well for those that are hobbyists and just getting into the riding space.

Beach cruisers are also great because of their upright positioning, comfortable seating and their step-through design.

Conclusion: Best Bike for Lower Back Pain

Cyclists have many options for bicycles when you have lower back pain. From beach cruisers, to recumbent bicycles, to road bikes and randonneurs, you have many choices to continue and enjoy riding your bike while treating your lower back.

Choose wisely with the options available and you will be happy that you found the sport.