Leg length difference and lower back pain
PFishback
Posts: 2
My bike fit specialist indicated one of my legs is longer than the other. I couldn't remember which one, but my wife measured from the top of my pelvis to the floor and found the right leg about .25-.5 inches longer. The bike fit also indicates a non-level pelvis and "spinal curves" (left high), whatever that means.
About 20 miles into a ride, I typically start experiencing pain in the lower back, but only on the right side. Stopping for a bit and stretching the hamstrings helps for a few more miles. I also try to stretch most muscle groups both pre-ride and post-ride and do my best to maintain good riding posture.
I pronate quite a bit and have custom orthotics with a heel lift on the left one. No issues with knee pain while riding.
I'm curious to know if there are recommendations for addressing the pain, and, particularly, if there's typically an association between the longer leg and the side of the back pain.
About 20 miles into a ride, I typically start experiencing pain in the lower back, but only on the right side. Stopping for a bit and stretching the hamstrings helps for a few more miles. I also try to stretch most muscle groups both pre-ride and post-ride and do my best to maintain good riding posture.
I pronate quite a bit and have custom orthotics with a heel lift on the left one. No issues with knee pain while riding.
I'm curious to know if there are recommendations for addressing the pain, and, particularly, if there's typically an association between the longer leg and the side of the back pain.
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Comments
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never heard of any association between the two
if you've a leg length discrepancy, a cleat shim can even things outmy bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny0 -
Not that helpful..... but before I had a bike fit I used to get a painful knee during /after a ride. The bike fitter found one of my lower legs, knee to foot, was longer as he noticed when I pedaled one knee would Bob above the handle bars more viewed from the front.
He sorted that by adjusting the cleats on each shoe. Result was no knee pains.
My chiropractor also recommended insoles which have also helped with lower back pain as I was having to compensate for my shorter leg when I walked resulting in back pain.
You may need to visit a chiropractor but I think the more you cycle it may become easier.. but may not..
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So your bike fit "specialist" noticed that you have a leg length discrepancy of up to 1cm and didn't actually do anything about it? Even though you mentioned back pain when riding? I would choose another bike fitter in future...
Shims work for me.0
