Osteoarthritis and retrobiking

[ultrazenith]

After having some niggling back pain investigated by the doctor, it turns out I have the early stages of spinal osteoarthritis. Given the typical age demographics of retrobikers, I don't expect I'm alone in having this condition.

Have others modified their cycling habits because of osteoarthritis, and if so, did it help?

I'm guessing I ought to preferentially ride full suspension and shun the 90s head down riding posture, from now on.

 

[one_bad_mofo]

My osteoarthritis is on one knee, the result of surgery as a teenager. I was diagnosed two years ago. I've made no real changes to my bikes, nor cycling and that includes continuing to ride a single speed at times.

However, whatI have done is become a gym rat on the advice of the physiotherapist I saw at the time of diagnosis. His advice was to work on my core strength as that would help my posture and in turn that would ease the pain in my knee. Turns out he was right. I've not been able to get to the gym for the past week because of a heavy cold/cough and my knee pain is back! :facepalm:

 

[hamster]

The singlespeed is an interesting one; I find I don't get knee pain on the singlespeed as it encourages me not to crunch big gears seated but to get out of the saddle instead.

 

[stevemar]

As one_bad_mofo mentioned, I also have or HAD knee issues due to arthritis. Then I discovered glucosamine supplements and it's helped quite a bit. But then again. I also lost like 10-15 lbs. and go to gym regularly. I once had upper back/ neck issues and went with a slight riser stem and riser bars, which also helped a lot. For what it's worth, I'm 61 . Hope things work out for you.