[Eric K]

I had bad back pain in my mid 40's. I tried chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, kidney belts, physical therapy, exercising, memory foam mattress, etc.

What I learned over a period of 4+ years is that a wide range of stretching exercises over a maximum range of motion to relax and unlock the back muscles was the key for me. I stretch every day and am rarely bothered by back pain. At age 51, I hauled 4 ton of hay bales by myself a few weeks ago and my back didn't bother me the next day. I now do exercises without pain that the physical therapist said I wouldn't likely be able to do again, like deadlifts and overhead pressing.

Another thing I adopted along the way is stand up riding every possible moment, even on gravel roads. The only time I sit is when I need to paddle my way through a difficult spot.