Sit bone issue on one side only

[Bike Writer]

When I had that problem, it was because the saddle was crooked -- nose did not point straight ahead. So I would check that first.

I checked the saddle with a t-square as best as I could see, it is on straight so it must be me that's out of kilter. Today's the first day I've had a chance to get out since I posted this but I made a conscious effort to sit straighter. Something I was doing without notice was having a tendency to slouch a bit to my left side, kinda like causing a little cave-in on my left side. I've since noticed that at times I'll do that while sitting. I'm going to be aware of this and stop it when I feel myself sinking on that side. I don't know why I do that, if it's a bad habit or a sign of something else? I could also believe that one leg is longer than the other because I've had total knee replacement on the left and need to have it done on the right. Having the surgery straightened out a slight bow in my left leg. I'm sure the slight bow on my right side might contribute to a difference in length.

Thank you to all for your suggestions. It gets me thinking and it's helped me recognize a problem and try to alleviate it.

[OakLeaf]

One thing to be aware of, that has become increasingly clear to me via my injuries this year, is how much a part your SHOULDERS play in all of that.

Handedness - and asymmetrical ergonomics such as the hand controls of a car or motorcycle, or the location of your phone and computer mouse at work - and even on a bici, when you probably use your right hand for shifting and braking much more than the left, whereas you'll use your left hand for signaling and (hopefully) for drinking - these asymmetries almost inevitably make your shoulders uneven, because you'll have certain tasks you'll do in certain directions with one hand, while the other hand will be different.

So one shoulder will sit higher than the other, which pulls your spine out, which pulls your pelvis out .... it was a HUGE revelation to me when the LMT unstuck the adhesions underneath my left shoulderblade and the numbness on the right side of my back and leg went away.

[Crankin]

I second what Oak said. I've had issues with asymmetrical stuff for years. Jokingly, I've said I'm crooked, but, it's not a joke. I do have a curvature of the spine, but it's really a minor thing, in terms of how bad curvatures can be. Long story short, I've tried to pay more attention to how I hold myself and I realized I always have one shoulder higher than the other, and I'm often hunched over. I've been seeing my MacKenzie PT, and he also "unstuck" me with just some minor manipulation and daily exercises on my part.
I was getting worried, as I was having considerable back pain riding, stiffness in the AM, and all other kinds of stuff that some might attribute to "old age." Sigh, the cycling position is not good for me, but as long as I keep doing the exercises, I'll be OK.

[Bike Writer]

Oak and Crankin,

Both of you ladies are onto the probable cause. I am left handed in writing, shooting pool and waterskiing (yes there is a handedness to waterskiing even though you do it with your feet, I'm known as "goofy foot" forward a term for putting your right foot in the front position on a slalom ski) but everything else I do right handed, so I do generally drink my water bottle with my left hand, though I am able to to it with my right also.

I believe it originates higher up in the body, possibly even my neck. Yeas ago when I owned a restaurant and worked on my feet for long hours I used to visit a chiropractor somewhat regularly, but off and on, and had issues with sciatic nerve and back pain. I haven't had that in years except I've had a slight twinge in my left lower back recently and I've spent the winter sitting far more than usual this last winter.

From being conscious of it yesterday and holding myself straight on my ride I came back with no pain.

[Sky King]

Age of saddle, I think every saddle is different. One of my riding buddies loves the Terry butterfly but she has to buy a new one every 3rd year. She can tell when her back starts to get tweakie that it is time to replace her saddle. On the other had my DH rides a Gilles Berthoud with over 10k on it and hasn't even had to tighten his nose...

[Bike Writer]

Age of saddle, I think every saddle is different. One of my riding buddies loves the Terry butterfly but she has to buy a new one every 3rd year. She can tell when her back starts to get tweakie that it is time to replace her saddle. On the other had my DH rides a Gilles Berthoud with over 10k on it and hasn't even had to tighten his nose...

I imagine rider weight plays a big role too. I'm pretty fond of that saddle and worry that it might not not be available in that same color if I wait too long. I like the firmness of the saddle, it's not squishy like a lot of cruiser/hybrid type saddles.

[missfit]

The master bike fitter rid me of this issue. I don't know how he did it, but I am so grateful.
We changed out my seat, he repositioned it...he put shims in my shoes, longer stem...it's all a puzzle but when it fits right, Oh.my.gosh. I feel 1000% stronger on long rides.

[Wahine]

Hi Bike Writer,

I just finished a more advanced level bike physical therapy course and we definitely talked a lot about this type of issue and how to fix it. It's pretty complex. The best thing to do would be to find a PT in your area that does bike fitting. I believe that the instructor of the course I took, has a list of PTs that have completed his classes. In my class this last weekend, there were PTs from all over the country. Here's a list of PTs in your state that have completed the bronze level (level 1) of his course. One of these folks might be able to help you out.

I hope you get things worked out.

[Bike Writer]

Hi Bike Writer,

I just finished a more advanced level bike physical therapy course and we definitely talked a lot about this type of issue and how to fix it. It's pretty complex. The best thing to do would be to find a PT in your area that does bike fitting. I believe that the instructor of the course I took, has a list of PTs that have completed his classes. In my class this last weekend, there were PTs from all over the country. Here's a list of PTs in your state that have completed the bronze level (level 1) of his course. One of these folks might be able to help you out.

I hope you get things worked out.

Why thank you Wahine! I will be sure to check that list out. Paying more attention to good posture on my bike has helped this situation out a lot, however I've noticed in the last week it wants to return...