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The Bike Fit Academy

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1 contribution to The Bike Fit Academy
Cycling with sciatica - how to manage back issues?
Hi all, I’m a 59 year old recreational cyclist, hard tail gravel bike with flat bars. After a good run out (for me - 40 miles mixed terrain) I was gutted to be struck down for the 1st time in my life with sciatica, now diagnosed as L4/5 disc ruptured RHS. Let’s be clear the bike alone didnt cause this, but that ride was probably the straw which literally broke the camels back😁 My physio advises me it’s ok to ride but to ‘take it easy’. However she had no idea when I asked what I should do to my bike to prevent future flare ups and minimise any more damage to my back. I am considering: A) a suspension seat post (red shift looks pretty cool) B) MTB hi rise (40mm?? More??) bars to give a more upright riding position C) what effect the above might have on fit? Given my physios blank look, I thought I’d enquire here if anyone has similar experience and if the above mods might help? I totally get this will reduce performance, but I’m not competing, so this is not your typical bike fit Q&A! Thanks in advance for ideas, opinions, resources or contacts
0 likes • 1d
Inspiring! Thanks Gary. I have the same worry that cycling would no longer be possible. Physio have given me the stretches and McKenzie technique for decompressing the spine. Interesting point that upright riding position isn’t the solution. I’m gonna try a suspension seatpost and keep my stock bars, then try regular use as you mention. Thanks for your input.
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Dave Thacker
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@dave-thacker-9315
Recreational cyclist, no eventing here😁

Active 15h ago
Joined Jun 29, 2026
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