Athletico & cyclist neck injuries

At our March meeting, Sarah Rice (DPT, PhD) from our title sponsor, Athletico, gave us an overview of possible neck injuries and treatments for cyclists.

Cyclists often experience neck pain that is tolerated rather than treated. We attribute that pain to the length of the ride, our gear or just accept it as a consequence of the sport. However, overuse injury can be more than just a pain in the neck. Common complaints among cyclists such as headaches, numb fingers, and reduced hand strength can arise from pinched nerves in the neck.

What causes neck injury, and what can we do about it?  First and foremost, if you have been in a crash, seek medical attention for possible concussion and neck injury. Lingering vertigo and headaches post-concussion could be attributed to neck injury. Alternatively, neck strain due to poor positioning on the bike can lead to overuse injury. Ideally, your neck and back should maintain a relatively straight line as you look down the road ahead of you. However, if your handlebars are too low or your saddle is too flat, spine curvature can make you crane your neck upward to see the road. Good positioning starts with a good bike fit. But, there are also a number of off-the-bike exercises you can do to relieve pain and help reset and support your neck.  If you have neck pain, headaches or numbness on-or-off the bike, contact a healthcare provider.  Athletico offers free assessments that can help pinpoint the source of your pain, and offer solutions to help get you rolling again.