Does Elliptical Cause Lower Back Pain? Uncovering the Truth Behind This Common Workout Concern

Elliptical trainers are often touted as low-impact cardio machines that are easy on the joints. However, some people experience lower back pain after using an elliptical. So, does elliptical cause lower back pain?

The answer is not a simple yes or no. While elliptical trainers can be a great way to get a low-impact workout, they can also aggravate lower back pain if they are not used properly.

How Elliptical Trainers Can Cause Lower Back Pain

There are a few ways that elliptical trainers can cause lower back pain:

• Poor posture. If you slouch or hunch your shoulders while using an elliptical trainer, you can put strain on your lower back.
• Overstriding. Taking too long of strides on an elliptical trainer can also put strain on your lower back.
• Using too much resistance. Using too much resistance on an elliptical trainer can make it difficult to maintain good posture and can also put strain on your lower back.
• Not warming up properly. Warming up before using an elliptical trainer is important to help prepare your body for the workout. If you don’t warm up properly, you are more likely to experience lower back pain.

How to Avoid Lower Back Pain on an Elliptical Trainer

If you want to avoid lower back pain on an elliptical trainer, there are a few things you can do:

• Maintain good posture. Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.
• Take shorter strides. Taking shorter strides will help to reduce the amount of strain on your lower back.
• Use less resistance. If you are new to using an elliptical trainer, start with a low resistance setting and gradually increase it as you get stronger.
• Warm up properly. Before using an elliptical trainer, warm up with 5-10 minutes of light cardio, such as walking or jogging in place.
• Cool down properly. After using an elliptical trainer, cool down with 5-10 minutes of light cardio and some stretching.

Other Causes of Lower Back Pain

If you experience lower back pain after using an elliptical trainer, it is important to rule out other potential causes, such as:

• A muscle strain. A muscle strain can occur when you overuse or injure a muscle.
• A herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc pushes through the tough outer layer.
• Sciatica. Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the leg, is compressed.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience lower back pain that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness, it is important to see a doctor.

Key Points: Elliptical Trainers and Lower Back Pain

Elliptical trainers can be a great way to get a low-impact workout, but they can also aggravate lower back pain if they are not used properly. By following the tips above, you can help to avoid lower back pain on an elliptical trainer.

Questions We Hear a Lot

• Can elliptical trainers help to relieve lower back pain?

Elliptical trainers can help to relieve lower back pain by strengthening the muscles around the spine. However, it is important to use an elliptical trainer properly to avoid aggravating lower back pain.

• What is the best way to use an elliptical trainer if I have lower back pain?

If you have lower back pain, it is important to maintain good posture, take shorter strides, and use less resistance on an elliptical trainer. You should also warm up properly before using an elliptical trainer and cool down properly afterwards.

• How long should I use an elliptical trainer if I have lower back pain?

If you have lower back pain, you should start by using an elliptical trainer for 10-15 minutes at a time. You can gradually increase the duration of your workouts as you get stronger.

• What other exercises can I do to help relieve lower back pain?

In addition to using an elliptical trainer, there are a number of other exercises that can help to relieve lower back pain, such as:

• Pelvic tilts
• Knee-to-chest stretches
• Hamstring stretches