Neck Pain

**DoubleLori** · 08-19-2003, 07:24 PM

I didn't want to scare anyone from my story of neck pain progressing to spinal cord compression. It took 18 years of a WHOLE lot of riding including 11 double centuries to get my neck so damaged. I had some earlier clues, but I didn't know what they were so I ignored them--getting dizzy after riding, for 2-4 days, even though I knew I wasn't dehydrated was the first symptom I had and I probably had that going on periodically for 2-3 years before my feet went numb.

Unfortunately, given how long it took me to get a diagnosis, if I had tried to get one when my milder symptoms first started occurring, I would not have been able to.

If any cyclist is having neck pain and mysterious symptoms that the docs can't diagnose, switching to a recumbent for at least a few months trial might be a good thing to do, just to see if there is improvement or not.

**hibiscus09** · 08-19-2003, 07:26 PM

I appreciate your input Lori. You didn't scare me. After all my sister went through, I knew where you were coming from!

**Dogmama** · 08-20-2003, 08:21 AM

One way I've dealt with neck pain is to write the alphabet with my nose in the air. Sounds weird, but just moving your neck area can really help! Usually by the time I get to "E", it's better. Make big letters.

Here's another radical idea. Take a break, get off the bike & stretch. Releasing the tension will help.

**Grasshopper** · 08-20-2003, 09:43 AM

Dogmama,

That sounds like a really great idea - writing the ABC's in the air....but I'm worried - will we be all over the road if us newbies try it?

**hibiscus09** · 08-20-2003, 09:50 AM

LOL -- that's what I thought! Very cute idea though -- the neighbors already think I'm a nut after watching me fall all over the place in the clipless pedals!! I guess I'll entertain them some more.

**Dogmama** · 08-20-2003, 11:36 AM

Originally posted by Grasshopper
Dogmama,

That sounds like a really great idea - writing the ABC's in the air....but I'm worried - will we be all over the road if us newbies try it?

Make smaller letters <grin> and practice in an open area, away from traffic!

**missliz** · 08-23-2003, 04:16 PM

I've been though a different set of injury hell, but you definately want to nip problems in the bud. I'm seeing 2 here.
1- Core strength issues. If you feel like your gut is hanging out and your lower back is hurting, you're begging for SI joint trouble. I've got it, wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Get thee to the gym and work on the abs and pelvic floor muscles. Yoga and Pilates are super for this, but so is just hitting the floor and running through a good set of ab exercises. Crunches will fix a lot, done daily. Get some help and find out if you're doing them right. You can roll out of bed, get on the floor, and do 150 good crunchies in about four minutes.

2- If the refit fixed one problem but started another, go back. You may just need a tweaking. Better to check now than hurt. Neck pain can come up out of shoulder problems, and that can be from the fitting.

Lizzy

**hibiscus09** · 08-24-2003, 02:31 AM

Thanks missliz! I went back and the shop has ordered narrower handlebars for me. Hopefully, that will help. In the meantime he has tilted the handlebars back towards me & I feel like I can get a bend in my elbow that way.

I've been lifting regularly at a gym for 7 years now. I'm pretty strong in general -- I work all body parts but always make sure to do abdominals and my lower back also. I have started Yoga recently because I wasn't too sure about my flexibility.

**Grasshopper** · 08-24-2003, 08:38 AM

Thanks Misslizz. I'm pretty good about doing yoga but I've slacked on my ab exercises - now I have the motivation to do them!! I do love pillates

**missliz** · 08-24-2003, 02:26 PM

You're very welcome, ladies.

Lizzy

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