Whilst we're talking about backs... something I've noticed is that when I transition from seriously unfit to fit and start to put more power through the bike for longer periods , holding a steady'forward' position on the bike, I go through a period of excrutiating pain high up between the lower neck and shoulder blades. It feels like a trapped nerve but isn't; there's no specific locus to the pain, nothing to put ones finger on, as it were. As I get fitter I work through it and after a few weeks it goes away, so I've put this down to some little used muscles buried in my back that dont otherwise see the light of day complaining.
As a fixer, I find huge (well , huge-ish
) amounts of power/tension go through the lower back, especially when climbing in the saddle, and that's somewhat analogous to TTing, as referenced above. ISTM the lower back is the fulcrum between the legs and hips which do all the work, and the upper body which stabilises the whole operation (hence the upper back issue referenced above). To counteract all this tension, I try and maintain a 'steady but relaxed' posture , and stand up and stretch out the back every now and then.
Again, as I get fitter I become more flexible/supple (and my stomach gets out the way) I'm able to hold a flatter position on the bike, which lengthens my upper body line. Aside from being more aero, I find that helps me focus on what my lower back, hips, and legs are doing.
Apols for the self analysis; I'm on family hols without bike...
