Managing Neck Pain

[Downhill]

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.

[scotto]

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"....

[sumgy]

I am getting neck strain just thinking about using a 150mm stem.

[johnm_oz]

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

[Clubagreenie]

Bike fit and get a POSTURE POLE

[LG]

Bike fit and get a POSTURE POLE

Bike fit and get a rolled up blanket to lie on. Cheaper.

[Clubagreenie]

Bike fit and get a POSTURE POLE

Bike fit and get a rolled up blanket to lie on. Cheaper.

Slightly different