Do you love riding your motorcycle? Maryland has some of the most beautiful motorcycle routes along the eastern United States. However, some motorcyclists experience back pain from motorcycle riding.  The problem becomes how do you keep doing something you love when you experience pain each time you ride?

What Causes Back Pain from Motorcycle Riding?

Your posture while riding a motorcycle and the length of your ride are often the common causes of back pain from motorcycle riding. Leaning forward and twisting your back can make back pain worse. The type of motorcycle can also have an impact on the severity of back pain. A sports model is usually not the best motorcycle for long trips because you are leaning forward during the entire ride. For longer distances, a standard or cruiser model allows you to keep your body in an upright position which can help reduce back pain.

Other options you might want to consider to help reduce back pain during a motorcycle ride include:

• Changing the stock seat for a seat that fits your body measurements better. A motorcycle professional can help you find a seat that offers the best fit for you.
• Motorcycle handlebars are for the “average” rider. However, you may not fit into this category. A motorcycle professional can also help you determine if you need to adjust or replace your handlebars to fit your measurements.
• Sometimes changing the position of your foot can help reduce back pain. Look for a custom foot peg that helps support your back in addition to supporting your legs.

In addition to adjusting your motorcycle to fit your body measurements, there are also other steps you can take to prevent back pain during a motorcycle ride. Make a conscious effort to relax during your ride. If you are tensing your body during a ride, you may have sore muscles after your ride. Also, stretching before and after each motorcycle ride can prevent back pain. If your back continues to bother you during a motorcycle ride, you may also want to try a back brace.

When Should You Consult a Physician About Back Pain from Motorcycle Riding?

If you take steps to reduce back pain from riding your motorcycle and still have pain, you may want to consult your doctor. You could have an underlying medical condition that is causing your back pain. Even if you do not have an underlying condition, your physician may suggest other ways to treat your back pain.

Some of the ways you may treat back pain include:

• Over-the-counter medications to help with the pain and swelling
• Applying ice to reduce pain
• Maintain good posture off and on your motorcycle
• Stretching throughout the day, especially when sitting for long periods
• Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce back pain

If your at-home remedies do not ease your pain in a few days; you experience weakness or numbness; have severe pain; have trouble standing or walking; or, you lose control over your bladder or bowels, contact a doctor immediately.

Back Pain from a Motorcycle Accident

Back injuries are common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. Injuries to the discs, muscles, and spinal cord can cause severe pain and permanent impairment. If symptoms are ignored, and treatment is delayed, the person could suffer additional complications.

It is always a good idea to be checked by a physician after a motorcycle accident, even if you do not believe your injuries are serious. A thorough physical examination and diagnostic tests can correctly diagnose injuries so that a treatment plan can be developed.

Back injuries from a motorcycle accident can result in a significant loss of wages and substantial medical expenses. If another driver or party caused the motorcycle crash, you might recover compensation for your losses. However, filing a motorcycle accident claim can be complicated. Insurance providers often blame the motorcyclist for a crash regardless of how the crash occurred.

A Maryland motorcycle accident attorney can help you prove that the other driver was responsible for causing the accident. In addition, an attorney can help you document your damages to maximize the amount of compensation you may receive for a motorcycle accident claim.

For More Information on Maryland Motorcycle Law, visit MotorcycleTalks

Choosing a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you are the victim of a motorcycle accident, you deserve to be compensated for all damages, including your financial losses, pain, and suffering. The Pinder Plotkin legal team fights to ensure that our clients are treated fairly and receive the compensation they are entitled to receive by law.

Contact Pinder Plotkin LLC at 410-525-5337 for a free consultation with one of our Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers.