Pain/Bike fit

[ninerfan]

For those who understand the how a bike should fit, what might pain between the shoulder blades indicate?

I know I must be hunching my shoulders but what in terms of the fit of my bike might explain why that is happening? Is is just simply a matter of improving core strength or is there something I should be adjusting on my bike?

[ridebikeme]

OUCH! It sounds to me as though either the reach from your saddle to your handlebars is too long OR that the height of your handlebars in relation to your saddle height is too low. I would definitely check with your LBS! Keep us posted.;)

[KnottedYet]

There are enough things (between the bike and you) that can cause pain between the shoulderblades, that it would really be a good idea to have a second pair of eyes handy to look at you on your bike and help you problem-solve.

So, if you grab a friend and a copy of Andy Pruitt's Complete Medical Guide for Cyclists you can get a darn good start at figuring out how your basic fit is going. It's a lot of fun to see how it all goes together!

If that doesn't solve it, find a good fitter and pay them a visit. (expect to be charged $150-$200 or so for a fit)

[katluvr]

Although it may be bike fit and reach...it may not. This is my second bike, both fitted (I TRUST my LBS guy) and this bike is actually even a better fit. I find that since I work at a computer and get that "hunch" and then spend a LOT of time on my bike I get it flared up now and then. Once it flares up...it is hard to get rid of besides a week away from the computer & stress ( = vacation!) Core work also helps.
Mine does not hurt all the time, but when it flares up it is harder to get rid of. Some folks believe in massage. I usually do some foam rolling. So yes, check out your fit, but for me it is other factors. In fact I am "flared-up" right now and even not on the bike it hurts and is "sensitive" (can't stand stuff on my back touching it). So I should reading TE and typing at computer!
Not sure if this helps or not. Just you are not alone.

[Veronica]

I only recently started getting upper back pain, right below my neck. It was not an issue on any of my six double centuries in 2006 and 2007. It started on the two brevets I did in March. I think I was really hunching my shoulders up. It was particularly excruciating on the Davis 200 K.

I just did another 200K on Sunday with Jo, with about 2,000 more feet of climbing than Davis. I have been really thinking about keeping my shoulders down and relaxing as I ride (thank you yoga!) And that has helped a lot. It's still there a little bit, but not nearly as bad.

I am actually going in for a bike fit today and it is one of the things I hope to get fixed. I'll post about the fitting of course. :D

V.

[katluvr]

I just did another 200K on Sunday with Jo, with about 2,000 more feet of climbing than Davis. I have been really thinking about keeping my shoulders down and relaxing as I ride (thank you yoga!) And that has helped a lot. It's still there a little bit, but not nearly as bad.
:D

V.

I agree, when I climb alot or ride into the wind I seem to "hunch" more and it aggrevates it more. I work on relaxing more. I still blame it on working at the computer too much!

[maillotpois]

Don't forget also handlebar width. I have wide shoulder for a woman, but still have somewhat narrow bars.

Second the recommendations for a fit and/or having someone who knows what they're doing look at you on the bike and see if there is something obvious going on.

Also, be aware of keeping your elbows bent slightly - not locked straight. When they're locked straight, all road noise is transmitted directly up your arms to your neck and shoulders. Let the elbows act as shock absorbers. This is one thing I find myself constantly monitoring with my TNT peeps.

[RoadRaven]

I am assuming you are not too low... in my time trial position, my shoulders ache.

I am guessing though it is probably what others have said... check your reach, check the width of the handle bars, and if you are still building upper body strength then consider raising the height of your bars temporarily.