A story about a back pain that wasn’t “just age”
A few weeks ago, a cyclist I know, let’s call him Mike, booked a session with a biokineticist after months of dull back pain.
It wasn’t sharp pain. Just a small niggle most of us blame on “tight hamstrings” or “getting older.”
But here’s the truth: that niggle wasn’t random.
Mike’s assessment showed his core was weak, his glutes weren’t firing, and his spine had been compensating on every ride. Even though his bike fit was already correct.
The bike wasn’t the issue. His body was out of balance.
What happened after fixing the problem
A few weeks later, after doing a simple core routine and small posture tweaks:
- The pain was gone
- His endurance improved
- Climbs felt easier
- Recovery was faster
That single niggle was his body’s way of asking for help.
Why niggles are warning signs
Most cyclists ignore small aches. We ride through them, thinking they’ll pass. But niggles are like rattles in a car engine. Left alone, they get worse. Especially as we age.
As we get older, the body recovers slower. You take longer to get back to freshness. The same session feels heavier the day after. That’s why maintenance isn’t optional.
Just like you lube your chain and check your brakes, your body deserves regular care.
What you can do this week
- Book an assessment with a biokineticist or physio
- Do a quick self-check: recovery, posture, sleep, flexibility
- Review your bike fit regularly. Your body changes, your fit should too
The best cyclists aren’t just strong or strong minded. They’re smart about their health.
Ready to check yourself?
If you’ve had a niggle for a while, don’t wait until it gets worse. Be proactive.
Want to know if it’s time for a bike fit review or a body check-in?
Send me a message and I’ll point you in the right direction.
If you think you need to check your setup, check out our services. Even if you don’t want to do a full bike fit, we can always just do a follow up, or even a cleat setup and see if you feel better on the bike. And if you like to know more about topics like these, sign up for our newsletter.
