Low Back Pain

Australian low back pain care often differs from guideline recommendations. Repeatedly flexing forward without adequate ribcage motion causes increased back muscle activity, worsening as fatigue accumulates. Low back pain from teaching multiple spin classes weekly may be related to prolonged forward-flexed positioning, fatigue, and limited ribcage mobility. For individuals with a narrower ribcage, an all-fours position with pushing, reaching, and slow mouth exhales may improve rib positioning and relieve back pain. For individuals with a wider ribcage, arms-overhead work with a forceful exhale before and after riding may counteract the prolonged cycling posture. Low back pain creates substantial direct and indirect costs in Australia. Low back pain is common, recurrent, and can become chronic for some people. Low back pain is a leading contributor to disability globally and in Australia.