Deep Heat for lower back pain?

ju5t1n

I get a very painful lower back on long rides, I've tried ibuprofen cream and felt little benefit. Has anyone tried deep heat or equivalents? any good?

ellieb

I'm not an expert but as I understand it the best thing you can do is mobilise the back & hamstrings etc by stretching/pilates/yoga that sort of thing. I wouldn't use anything which is effectively masking the problem

Toonraid

I go along with that too - I am a long time sufferer and found that my set up was part of the problem as well as weak core muscles and tight hip flexors (stretching and osteopath really helps). Get to the root and avoid pain killers.

wingnut1

Can't comment on the osteopath route as iv'e never tried it but i have suffered with back pain over the last 20 years through my job and find cycling up to 50 miles fine, anything over that the dreaded pain slowly creeps in getting worse the further i ride.
I do occasionaly use deep heat if i know i'm going over 50 miles and it helps me, another method that works for me is to alternate between the drops and the hoods every 5 miles and this tends to stretch my back and change my posture, for me being in the same position for a long period of time can cause me more pain.

I have thought about getting my bike checked for fit but I find my bike very comfortable up to 50 miles and i'm frightened any changes could have a reverse effect!

NervexProf

The prime component of 'Deep Heat' is Methyl Salicylate, essentially an analgesic.

You can buy neat methyl salicyclate here: http://www.sellesmedical.co.uk/store/pr ... ment-500ml

Mix it 50/50 with baby oil.

Be careful with excessive use; it is poisionous when used in excess.

Endorse excercise recommendations already given; and to check your position.


If all else fails, get a check up with your GP - an MRI scan would give better insight into any skeletal failure.

Toonraid

One thing I forgot to mention is that it seems I also have weak hamstring & glutei muscles which is what is causing the hip flexor pain so working on that too. Osteopath is not the answer but perhaps a good idea to pay one a visit along with a sports massage therapist and Pilates instructor and a good bike fitter!

Each one helps to get to know your body and better if they have experience with cyclists or are active in more than one field - I saw someone who was an osteopath but also a pilates and yoga instructor and very experienced - not only will you save money but they can see the problem from various view points which helps.

ju5t1n

Hi all,

I tried the Deepheat yesterday during a 200k sportive, it did ease the pain a little but the effect was marginal and only lasted 10mins or so after application. I tried a few stretches before the event too but that made no noticeable difference.

Wingnut – this sounds just like my back problem, first 50 miles is OK, then the pain sets in – if you ever find a cure do let me know!

Ricardo H

deep heat will only help if its just a general ache. But if you've actually damaged something then it will do more harm than good. If a joint or muscle is inflamed then heat is the last thing you want. I use biofreeze gel that i buy from my osteopath, and its works great for any joint or back problems.
One thing i know from personal experience is that if you have back pain, there is probably nothing wrong with your back, but a problem else where (hips, knees, ankles etc) and the pain is just showing up in you lower back.

giant_man

Deep Heat is good, and it does get hot believe me, but I have always found it to be a temporary relief, best thing is to see an osteopath or similar I guess.

nicknick

Ive found tiger balm to be much more effective on aches. Smells much nicer too, but a bit more expensive.