Some of you may have noticed the pictures from this weekend’s Prudential Ride London on the facebook page. I’ve also treated a few cyclists recently complaining of neck pain when cycling.
What causes neck pain when cycling?
Quite simply as human beings we are not designed to be on a bike. We are designed to be upright on two feet. On a bike, in order to be able to see the road ahead, the neck is pulled back into extension. This causes the joints to jam against each other and leads to neck pain when cycling. Riding with the arms outstretched for 2 or 3 hours at a time can also cause fatigue and neck pain when cycling long distances. If the neck and shoulder muscles are not strong enough to support the weight of the head (typically 6kg!) in this position then tension will build up in the neck muscles and lead to neck pain.
What can be done to prevent neck pain when cycling?
A combination of chiropractic treatment to loosen restricted joints in the spine and massage to specific tight neck muscles will help ease neck pain when cycling. Usually a course of treatments are required, typically 6 to 8 treatments.
There are also some great exercises that you can do lessen neck pain. These can all be found at leedschiro.co.uk/blog or by searching “Revive Chiropractic Leeds” on YouTube. There are some great general neck stretches to be found on the blog and chin tuck and wall angels are also a great start. It can take 8 to 10 weeks of doing the exercises daily to really strengthen the neck muscles and improve neck pain when cycling.
Also don’t forget a bike fit! The strongest neck and shoulder muscles won’t be much help if the setup of your bike is incorrect.
If you need further advice you can call and book an appointment with Alison Eaves at Revive Chiropractic in Leeds, West Yorkshire by calling 0113 347 2801.
