Neck and between-the-shoulder-blades pain??

[kenyonchris]

Yesterday I was on the bike for nearly 3 hours and after 2 hours the back of my neck and upper back (between shoulder blades) was hurting so bad. I tried sitting up and riding hands-free for 30 second stretches, but as soon as I put my hands back in the hoods, I felt the pain. Part of it may have been caused by my criss-cross, halter-style sports bra...but I don't think that's the entire reason. Is there a fit issue I should be concerned about or is this normal? Since this was the longest ride I've done so far, I'm not sure what kind of discomfort is typical and what kind is not...any info would be appreciated.

At the beginning of the season when I am not fit this happens to me. Doing lots of shorter distance rides usually fixes it, and I don't even notice it on the first long ride of the season I make.

[marni]

I have a tendancy to let my shoulders climb into my ears so I constantly remind myself to push my shoulders down and back. Core exercises especially planks seem to help as do pushups, but it wouldn't hurt to check the angle of the handlbars and seat- but basically, most of us tend to be round shouldered with upper soulder and upper back muscles weaker than they should be.

you might also try doing some neck and head rolls each time you stop and step down.

good luck

marni

[ny biker]

Since I changed my stem, my shoulder hunching has pretty much gone away. I used to do it all the time while I was riding with my hands on the hoods.