Bad back need input on options
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 4
From: Central IL
The previous posts hit on the key thing to coping with chronic back pain. Its physical. Lose some weight, do daily stretching exercises, walk 45+ minutes a day. Most importantly you need to strengthen your core. Start a short, simple exercise routine to work your abdominal and oblique muscles. Those core muscles help support your upper torso. If they are not in shape then your low back takes on a much bigger role in that support which amplifies any lower back problems you might have.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: S. Central Ohio
Floorboards, 17" Mustang seat, properly adjusted backrest,
and handlebars to bring your hands up to a comfortable
height. Some trial and error plus $ involved but when you
find the combination that works,
.
Jim
and handlebars to bring your hands up to a comfortable
height. Some trial and error plus $ involved but when you
find the combination that works,
. Jim
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,023
Likes: 989
From: Just Outside Chicago
What is this?????I have NEVER seen Playgirl mag.But i think it belongs there!! Hey don't get me wrong...Lorenzo's a good guy but could you maybe tone the picture down a bit????
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 56
Likes: 1
I have the stock Harley seat and adjustable back rest, it gives me all the lumbar support I need. I took the back rest off for a few hours the other day and immediately noticed strain in my lower back. Interestingly the riding position on crotch rockets takes all of the strain off my lower back but I couldn't hold that posture for a 500 mile day. Sometimes when riding long days I move the backrest forward to exagerate the curve in my spine and support the lumbar vertebre. Getting an adjustable backrest is important too.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Western Kansas
Good seat with an adjustable backrest, windshield, adjust you foot position often as you ride, a good wide kidney belt, take short breaks every 100 miles to walk around, exercise and weight loss.....a whole lot cheaper than buying a new touring bike.
I fixed most of my back problems by losing 60 lbs and exercising regularly. Last year I couldn't ride more than 2 hours without my back/hips/knees screaming at me. Just finished an Iron Butt 1000, and had no back/hip/knee issues.
I fixed most of my back problems by losing 60 lbs and exercising regularly. Last year I couldn't ride more than 2 hours without my back/hips/knees screaming at me. Just finished an Iron Butt 1000, and had no back/hip/knee issues.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,074
Likes: 12
From:
I also have a bad back and FXDC as well as ultra. Put on extended forwards, Back rest and 4" pull back riser on bars good to go. I have been avoiding back surgery for almost 10 years now PS im 55
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 304
Likes: 1
From: Washington State
Thanks guys, I really appreciate and value all the feedback. I've been working on the back ache gremlin and trying to get it so I can take a long trip down the pacific coast highway come summer. Right after I bought the bike, the stock seat went off the bike and replaced it with a Mustang 16.5" solo with backrest, it helped a ton, then I put a windshield on it and forward controls, still improved. Now I just ordered a taller riser to bring the bars up and a bit closer, Last Thankgiving after dinner I weighed in at 260, right now just under 200 mark. I have been committed to make this work and will see how the risers go, if not, my dyna is going up for sale and it is road king time. BTW, I have road a buddies RK and it is one really nice bike, it is a factory police bike that he bought for funerals processions with the air seat, so I know that bike works for me, it maybe time.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 107
Likes: 2
I'm 63, with many Harley's and much lower back pain. I ride 30-40K per year. Your answer will depend on your specific problem, but the sequence on a new bike for me is always: 1. Backrest first. And don't be shy about adjusting it snug against your back; 2. Move forward. Either by moving your backrest up, or get a seat that moves you down and forward. When you bend at the waist (to reach the bars) it puts pressure on you lower back; 3. Get pullback bars. Again, this will reduce your reach and reduce lower back pressure. Along the way, make sure your highway pegs are set correctly to reduce your lower back tension when you use them. Also, get a touring bike for sure!
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Central New York
I ride with a backrest, airhawk seat pad (on an air cushioned police seat) and highway pegs. I can ride all day.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 292
Likes: 1
From: Central Illinois
I think the opposite is true. You want to have your knees higher than your hips if possible. I used to have severe back problems. I thought I needed surgery. I found a book called "The Back Doctor" written by an orthopedist named Hamilton Hall. It had a lot of great information about what was going on and excellent suggestions about how to deal with it. It changed my life. I am 58 years old, and my back rarely bothers me at all , and it has not kept me from doing whatever I want for years. Most people's backs actually get better if they just do some simple stuff to take care of it.
I ride with a backrest, airhawk seat pad (on an air cushioned police seat) and highway pegs. I can ride all day.
I ride with a backrest, airhawk seat pad (on an air cushioned police seat) and highway pegs. I can ride all day.