Help!

[n8chergirl]

Hi there everyone,
I am a new cyclist. I have only been cycling for about 9 months and 4 of those months out was not cycling because I fell of my bike and broke a rib. It took FOREVER to heal! Anyway, I am cycling for the Team in Training to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and signed up for the Tour de Tucson century. I have been fitted by a professional to make sure my bike fits and it does. However, I am having MAJOR neck pain!! After about 25 miles my neck starts to burn and try to relax and stretch during the ride. I know my posture isn't the greatest. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? I am in good shape, but the neck issue may prevent me from finishing the race :( Thanks for your help!!
Anna ps...I cycled 51 miles this morning and couldn't raise my neck after 40...luckily, I didn't run into anything!!!

[channlluv]

It sounds like you could use the services of a really good sports chiropractor.

i hope this doesn't violate TOS, but I have a great guy here in San Diego: Dr. Matt Sanicki of CRAC Chiropractic. I'm guessing you're in Tucson, but since you don't really say, you might contact him and see if he can recommend someone in your area.
http://www.cracsandiego.com/

I wrecked about a year ago and tore up my shoulder pretty badly, and he gave me the use of my shoulder back, without surgery. The guy's awesome, and he may know someone in your area who can help you, too.

Good luck. I know how hard it is when injuries sideline you from your goals. Good luck with your TnT ride!

Roxy

[jobob]

I'm guessing you're in Tucson,

Not necessarily ... I think Tour de Tucson is one of TNT's national rides, attracting teams from around the country, or at least from a pretty wide geographic area (for instance, there's a TNT team training for Tour de Tucson in the San Francisco area).

n8chergirl, have you spoken to your TNT coach about this?

Hope it works out for you, and welcome to TE. (Go Team! :D)

[Wahine]

When you were fitted for your bike was the focus on performance or comfort? There are some easy adjustments to make that can ease neck pain but take away from aerodynamics such as using a stem with a steeper upward angle. Also core strength is very important for good posture, including neck alignment on the bike. If you have access to a TNT coach you should really bring it up with them.

[Pedal Wench]

It could even be something simple - are you using a mtb helmet (with a visor) or a cap? They both will force you to hold your head up higher than normal.

[maillotpois]

Wahine's right - talk to your coaches. I've been a TNT coach for almost 10 years now and I'd want to know if one of my riders was in pain like you describe. You're on your way to Shermer neck from the sound of things.

I'd want to watch you on the bike and make sure your hand and arm position are neutral and not directing bumps and strain to your neck. I'd want to make sure your fit is just right - I know you say you have been fit, but I would take your issues BACK to the fitter and have them check you over again. I'd also be curious to know if there may be some underlying over compensation for the broken rib that is manifesting with the neck pain. A good fitter should explore all that, but if they don't or don't get it right you should feel free to seek a second opinion.

Bike fit is not a one size fits all "thing". We had a TNT advanced coach clinic with Arnie Baker and he said he had re-fit HUNDREDS of Andy Pruitt fit cyclists in his career as a sports doctor and coach. He acknowledged that Pruitt had probably ALSO re-fit hundred of Arnie Baker fit cyclists as well. Not everyone's bike fit works for everyone. (Arnie put the washer of joy and hope in my right pedal, though, ending years of hip pain, so I love him. :) ).

[Wahine]

What Maillopois says about "one bike fit does not fit all" is sooooooooo true. I also do a lot of bike fitting but from a PT perspective where my main concern is easing stress on painful or injured areas. So often my fits are different from a pure performance type of fit such as is often the case with Pruitt trained fitters. And I will be the first one to say that I'm not the fitter you want to see if your concern is getting as speed as possible for watt expended. But, what good is aerodynamics and pure performance if you can't finish a race due to pain?