When I rediscovered cycling about 12 months ago, I was plagued by neck strain after riding only a few hundred metres. At around the 30 km mark the strain was a problem that couldn't be solved by mere stretching. It limited my range.
Then I discovered that with the seat correctly positioned, I felt that I was reaching just a tad too far forward when gripping the handlebars. My arms were slightly over extended. Consequently any shock from the front wheel was being transmitted through my wrists, elbows and shoulders to my neck.
Two weeks ago I replaced my 150mm headset for a 100 mm headset. Bingo! No more more neck problems, even when riding in the drop position. My range doubled overnight. Shortening the headset transferred some of the load from my hands and arms to my lower back muscles. I can now ride with "soft hands" and relaxed arms & shoulders.
Obviously this solution won't be appropriate for everyone. Always check with you GP or physio if you suffer from neck pain. There's also a lot of sense in having a proper "bike fit" done.
Previously I trawled the net to investigate causes for neck pain while cycling. I didn't find anything about the length of the headset as being a contributing factor, so I thought I'd post here in case any one else was having the same problem.
Managing Neck Pain
Forum rules
The information / discussion in the Cycling Health Forum is not qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor.
The information / discussion in the Cycling Health Forum is not qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor.
-
- Posts: 406
- Joined: Thu Sep 30, 2010 1:11 am
- Location: WA
Managing Neck Pain
Postby Downhill » Mon Oct 17, 2011 1:49 am
Today's effort = Tomorrows reward.
2010 Oppy C6
2010 Oppy C6
- scotto
- Posts: 2380
- Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2009 9:38 am
- Location: Baulkham Hills
- Contact:
Re: Managing Neck Pain
Postby scotto » Wed Oct 19, 2011 3:22 pm
good post.
bike fitting is overlooked by many, but like anything else. we make sure everything else we buy fits, but often overlook the bike. if you get pain cycling but no where else, the default solution is pretty much "bike fit"....
bike fitting is overlooked by many, but like anything else. we make sure everything else we buy fits, but often overlook the bike. if you get pain cycling but no where else, the default solution is pretty much "bike fit"....
- sumgy
- Posts: 1487
- Joined: Tue Mar 02, 2010 10:58 pm
- Contact:
Re: Managing Neck Pain
Postby sumgy » Thu Oct 20, 2011 8:39 am
I am getting neck strain just thinking about using a 150mm stem.
- johnm_oz
- Posts: 67
- Joined: Sat Oct 15, 2011 3:09 am
- Location: Hobart (Howrah)
Re: Managing Neck Pain
Postby johnm_oz » Fri Oct 21, 2011 12:17 am
I've just bought my first decent bike (Trek Madone 3.1) and started riding. I've had a double fusion in my neck, so was worried about this exact subject. The shop set me up with shorter than normal stem- not sure of exact sizes, and a slightly more upright posture. I did my firt 'real' ride - about 40K a couple of weeks ago and I was very pleased with the outcome, nothing a half hour with the heatpack wouldn't fix. I'm hoping that as I get more K's under my belt it'll keep getting better.
Cheers
JM
Cheers
JM
-
- Posts: 352
- Joined: Wed Jun 15, 2011 8:03 pm
Re: Managing Neck Pain
Postby Clubagreenie » Sun Oct 23, 2011 9:10 pm
Bike fit and get a POSTURE POLE
"My father touched me like that once. To this day, he still has to wear orthopedic shirts."
At the end of the day , it is the Indian , not the arrow .. so ride what you want
At the end of the day , it is the Indian , not the arrow .. so ride what you want
-
- Posts: 1879
- Joined: Sat Nov 08, 2008 10:46 am
- Location: Southeast Tasmania
Re: Managing Neck Pain
Postby LG » Mon Oct 24, 2011 8:45 pm
Bike fit and get a rolled up blanket to lie on. Cheaper.Clubagreenie wrote:Bike fit and get a POSTURE POLE
LG = Low Gear
-
- Posts: 352
- Joined: Wed Jun 15, 2011 8:03 pm
Re: Managing Neck Pain
Postby Clubagreenie » Wed Nov 02, 2011 11:23 am
LG wrote:Bike fit and get a rolled up blanket to lie on. Cheaper.Clubagreenie wrote:Bike fit and get a POSTURE POLE
Slightly different
"My father touched me like that once. To this day, he still has to wear orthopedic shirts."
At the end of the day , it is the Indian , not the arrow .. so ride what you want
At the end of the day , it is the Indian , not the arrow .. so ride what you want
Jump to
- General Australian Cycling Topics
- Info / announcements
- Buying a bike / parts
- General Cycling Discussion
- The Bike Shed
- Cycling Health
- Cycling Safety and Advocacy
- Women's Cycling
- Bike & Gear Reviews
- Cycling Trade
- Stolen Bikes
- Bicycle FAQs
- The Market Place
- Member to Member Bike and Gear Sales
- Want to Buy, Group Buy, Swap
- My Bikes or Gear Elsewhere
- Serious Biking
- Audax / Randonneuring
- Retro biking
- Commuting
- MTB
- Recumbents
- Fixed Gear/ Single Speed
- Track
- Electric Bicycles
- Cyclocross and Gravel Grinding
- Dragsters / Lowriders / Cruisers
- Children's Bikes
- Cargo Bikes and Utility Cycling
- Road Racing
- Road Biking
- Training
- Time Trial
- Triathlon
- International and National Tours and Events
- Cycle Touring
- Touring Australia
- Touring Overseas
- Touring Bikes and Equipment
- Australia
- Western Australia
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Victoria
- ACT
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- Country & Regional
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users
- All times are UTC+10:00
- Top
- Delete cookies
About the Australian Cycling Forums
The Australian Cycling Forums is a welcoming community where you can ask questions and talk about the type of bikes and cycling topics you like.
Bicycles Network Australia
Forum Information
Connect with BNA
Brought to you by Bicycles Network Australia | © 1999 - 2024 | Powered by phpBB ®
This website uses affiliate links to retail platforms including ebay, amazon, proviz and ribble.
This website uses affiliate links to retail platforms including ebay, amazon, proviz and ribble.