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Pain in the neck!

by MT63
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 15:00
11

I have just started doing a few longer sportive type rides and I have found the physical cycling okay, what I find harder to deal with is the pain I get in my neck. A couple of times I have resorted to taking a couple of painkillers to ease it. Does anyone else have this problem and Is there any way around this or is it just something you have to learn to deal with.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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11 comments

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Sadly Biggins | 11 years ago
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I did get this when I started riding longer distances but it went away over time as I got used to the distances and tweaked my position on the bike.

Do you have a peak/visor on your helmet? If so, take it off as you have to lift your head higher to see the road in front and this can cause the neck pain. If you don't, it's likely bike-fit related as others have said above.

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chris75018 | 11 years ago
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Do it. I was also reluctant to get a bike fit, thinking £100 quid to move my handlebars and saddle about a bit was a lot of money, but it's honestly the best bike-related purchase I've made and made a much more noticeable difference to my riding than the last set of wheels I bought!

I also used to get back pain, but since the bikefit back in february, no more! As the bike fitter also tested my flexibility (a test I must surely have failed) I was also given a range of stretches etc to help. Pilates was also suggested.

If you're london based, I went to Cadence in Crystal Palace who were great.

And yes, you get all your bike measurements etc for future reference on a printout.

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MT63 replied to chris75018 | 11 years ago
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Hmm, it looks like the bike fit could be a viable option, especially since you can use the measurements to set up any subsequent bike

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Gkam84 | 11 years ago
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I only clicked on this topic as I thought it might be about enrique....

I have nothing helpful to add, sorry 19

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matthewn5 | 11 years ago
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Competitive Cyclist provide a useful online fitting tool:

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

No substitute for a proper bike fit though.

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HarryTrauts | 11 years ago
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Search the internet and you'll find a lot of rough and ready methods of fitting a bike yourself (although, having another person will make the process much easier). My experience is that a proper bike-fit is well worth the money. I had a knee problem and the bike fit sorted it. I now look forward to riding pain-free and being able to walk and climb stairs the day after.

I know that they can be expensive but it is really worth it.

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MacD | 11 years ago
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think it's quite a common problem due to the upper back, neck and head not following a natural curve - your back and neck curves but then we tend to lift our heads (to see the road!) and it creates an awkward angle, causing pain over time. Some stretching & strengthening exercises work really well. Could be the prob.

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Ashleyhoaken | 11 years ago
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http://www.pearsonphysio.co.uk/is-cycling-proving-to-be-a-pain-in-the-neck/

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arfa | 11 years ago
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Have you had your bike properly set up ? Worth doing if you are planning on longer rides.
Pilates is good for your core strength and will help support your body when on long rides

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MT63 replied to arfa | 11 years ago
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I've been looking at bike fits but they are generally quite expensive. One question though, do you know if you get a set of figures from these which you van use to set up any new bike or is it a case of new bike, new bike fit?

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TheHatter replied to MT63 | 11 years ago
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yes, you should always get a print out with all the necessary measurements.

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