Cycling your way out of back pain: Exercise is good for you!

Exercising is good for your body as a whole, but regular non-weight-bearing exercise is even better for your back. Exercises such as bicycling and swimming provide great cardiovascular benefits without causing strain on your joints and are beneficial to the spine because of their strengthening benefits.

“As the muscles that support the spine become weaker, they become inefficient in supporting the spine in its normal position. As a result your whole back can become sore and tired,” said Jason Marchetti, M.D., physiatrist with Texas Back Institute.

Bicycling is a great way to enjoy good weather, and stationary bicycle riding proves just as effective as outdoor biking in maintaining cardiovascular health. “Bicycling” your legs while lying on your back is also beneficial. Since the muscles around your spine help support the weight in your legs, it serves as a mode of conditioning a sore back.

Riding position on a bicycle can cause undue strain to the back, while cycling through rough terrain increases jarring and pressure on the spine. To avoid these common pitfalls, incorporate these tips into your biking routine:

Consider using a mountain bike with higher handlebars and bigger tires. This will put your spine in an upright position, while the larger tires help absorb more vibrations.
Make sure that some of your body weight is distributed to your arms and keep your neck loose to avoid stiffness.
Ride with shock absorbing accessories such as seat covers and gloves.
Make sure there is not too much “reach” between the seat and handlebars. This can cause neck strain and lead to pain and stiffness.

Texas Back Institute, Plano, Texas: As one of the nation's largest spine clinics, the Texas Back Institute is the expert in solutions for back pain. Founded in 1978, the Texas Back Institute has always recommended non-surgical treatments because we know they work best to relieve pain in most patients. The professional staff includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons with spine fellowship training, general surgeons, general medicine physicians, internists, chiropractors, physiatrists, pain specialists, exercise physiologists and a team of physical and occupational therapists. From non-operative spine care to surgery, the Texas Back Institute offers chiropractic care, diagnostic procedures, fitness services, pain management, patient education, physical therapy, research and return-to-work programs including work conditioning and work hardening. To learn more about the Texas Back Institute and to obtain free updates and helpful back tips, go to www.texasback.com or call 1-800-247-BACK. Texas Back Institute's with offices in Denton, Fort Worth, Garland, Greenville, Hurst, Midland, Plano, TX and Phoenix, AZ. For additional information, visit the Texas Back Institute website at www.texasback.com

MEDIA CONTACT
For more information, contact Meredith Falke, (214) 891-7795 meredith_falke@richards.com

Consumer phone number: 1-800-247-BACK