Cycling completely changes the weight distribution through your muscles and spine, but also bends the back and neck into an unnatural position that is often sustained for lengthy periods of time. Neck pain from cycling usually stems from poor posture and weak muscles. Pain caused by neck hyperextension (looking up to see where you are going) is made worse by positional issues on the bike, combined with a lack of flexibility.
CAUSES
Just as you have core stabilisers around your lower back, you have stabiliser muscles calledeep neck flexors around your neck to hold your head up. When your neck stabilisers are weak or fatigue quickly it is left to the trapezius muscle (that goes from the base of your skull to the tip of the shoulder) to support your head as you lean forward. And when these ‘stand-in’ muscles fatigue you can experience pain in the back and sides of your neck. Restore balance by keeping the neck muscles loose and relaxed through a routine of strengthening and stretching exercises.
Be aware you may also subconsciously be tensing your neck and upper trapezius muscleswhen riding. Possibly bracing yourself on uneven terrain, hurtling along at scary speeds,or stabilising yourself due to poor technique and swaying from your pelvis and lower trunk. This too can result in fatigue of these muscles,development of muscle spasm and painful trigger points as well as stiffness.
PREVENTION
For Body Conditioning tips and tips on setting up your bike to avoid this type of pain download our patient information leaflet.
Click on this link for the leaflet
https://www.co-kinetic.com/media/render/14d843418c667386c167cbda5a5c8487/media.pdf?brandContent=true
If you have pain and discomfort in your neck book in with one of our practitioners for a full assessment and treatment. We offer remote and face to face appointments and will work with you to get you back on the road pain free.
