Headache & Neck Pain

[Willard12]

I am a fairly new rider, been doing this for 3 months and starting almost a month ago, I got a very bad, well actually, very bad isn't even close to describing the pain I felt with this headache, that started from the base of my skull and the pain went all the way up over my head while cycling uphill, then a couple of days later, neck pain arrived along with the same hugely painful headache on almost every ride.

I then finally realized that perhaps maybe I should get myself to a doctor and get checked out, as it also started to happen in varying levels of pain while for instance, picking up a laundry basket, or groceries, generally bending over to do something or even putting on my sports bra! I was sent off for an MRI, then to the neurosurgeon, along with a chiropractor (which I went to on my own). The neurosurgeon said my brain was fine (good to know)! and the headaches are musculoskeletal in nature, more then likely caused by cycling and I should try physical therapy.

Haven't been to PT yet, but now, I stretch, I was stretching prior to a ride before all this, but now I am more aware of my stretching and what I need to concentrate on, namely my neck and shoulders, if that makes sense! I am now super aware of my neck, shoulders, arms and spine position on the bike, especially when going uphill and if I am going more then 8 or 10 miles, I stop halfway and stretch again. So far, for the past week since I have started stretching and being more aware of my neck, no headaches, I am more than pleased, as my neck was so sore, the headaches were a nightmare and I was really worried that I would have to give up cycling, noooooooo!

First make sure you are using the bike that fits you properly. Because good bike fit can make you ride the bike for several hours without any neck/shoulder pain. If you have already used bike that fits you, then the cause of the pain might be due to some other reasons. Do you stretch before riding for long? proper stretching is necessary before going for a long bike ride. Because I had similar issue with my neck while riding for long, and I consulted an orthopedic surgeon in Toronto of the AESM clinic and he told it was due to lack of stretches and exercises and suggested some regular exercises and stretches for my shoulder and neck.

[Alinahxl]

I was wondering whether you use your bike in a right way, I mean sometimes I would fall down from the bike too because I didn't keep the balance. But I guess you are skilled about riding so there must be some other reasons for your problem. Best wishes