Medical problems that can be helped through exercise and good posture on the bike If you suffer from backache or other medical problems, then exercise such as cycling can be of benefit to you, especially linked with mobility exercises. However, a custom built frame could be what you need to help you get out riding. Various options are available to make the handlebars less of a stretch than they would be on a standard frame, for example the top tube can be shortened, the head tube can be lengthened. Your body will dictate where the handlebars and seat should be, and not the robots in a mass production factory. Arthritis Description A term that covers a number of conditions characterized by inflammation of the joints. The most common of these is Osteoarthritis which results from  degeneration and wearing away of articular cartilage. This may gradually affect  underlying bones. Symptoms Pain in knees and hips are the most common sites Cause Incorrect loading of the joint, trauma, Tips None weight bearing exercise such as cycling and swimming put less stress on the joints Rheumatoid arthritis Description Chronic inflammatory disorder, which mainly affects the joints, but may also affect tendon sheath, muscles, and bursae. Symptoms Stiffness, pain and swelling of the affected joints Tips Mobility exercises may help ease symptoms Ankylosing Spondylitis A back disorder in which the vertebrae become squared and connected by fibrous tissue causing the spine to becomes rigid. Often starts in the sacroiliac joint Symptoms Stiffness in the lower back especially in the morning, aggravated by rest. Tips Mobility exercises, good posture. Spondylitis Inflammation of the synovial joints of the vertebrae Tips Mobility exercises combined with good posture Spondylosis Description A degenerative condition of the intervertebral discs Symptoms Symptoms include pain and restriction of movement. An x-ray image may  show narrowing of the space occupied by the disc. Tips Mobility exercises combined with good posture