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How to prevent or manage it
Here are some factors to consider when a cyclist is experiencing lower back pain:
- A saddle that is too high and/or too far back promotes shearing at the pelvic level.
- Lack of foot support increases pronation, recreating the same situation as a saddle that is too high.
- A handlebar that is too low or too far forward creates excessive bending of the lower back.
- Poor saddle selection creates sustained compression and reduces support in the lumbar region.
Choosing the right saddle
Here are the characteristics of a good saddle:
- Sufficiently wide (provides good support for the sit bones).
- Sufficiently flat (avoids convex saddles).
- Sufficiently firm (excessive padding compresses soft tissues).
- With or without a central cutout (relieves pressure on the pelvic floor).
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