Cyclist Syndrome - Pudendal Neuralgia

JoMolo

Hi,

Just wondering if any cyclists have suffered from Pudendal Neuralgia or cyclist syndrome as it is commonly known in sports medicine. Basically it's inflammation of the nerve causing pelvic pain, numbness, stabbing pain on one or both sides of the pelvis/butt and can run down leg. Cycling/sitting on narrow saddle is a leading favorable risk factor.

Anyone suffered from it, recommend a physio who would know how to treat it

Many thanks
JO

el tel

Nothing like a bout of numb nuts!

levitronix

JoMolo wrote: »

Hi,

Just wondering if any cyclists have suffered from Pudendal Neuralgia or cyclist syndrome as it is commonly known in sports medicine. Basically it's inflammation of the nerve causing pelvic pain, numbness, stabbing pain on one or both sides of the pelvis/butt and can run down leg. Cycling/sitting on narrow saddle is a leading favorable risk factor.

Anyone suffered from it, recommend a physio who would know how to treat it

Many thanks
JO

I think you just made that up looking for a cheap rub down

chakattack

Sounds like a job for a bike fitter rather than a physio.

What saddle do you have?

Seatpost might be raised to high - is your knee locked at the bottom of the pedal stroke?

What level is it set at? Most saddles should be level or ever so slightly tilted upwards.

Saddles with a perineal cut out can help e.g. specialized toupe

victorcarrera

Have you tried a wider, softer, flat saddle with a center cut out.
Something like this worked for me.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=34932
or
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23428

Lumen

I don't understand the medical terms but I did once suffer from a numb mickey on a touring holiday. It was cured by getting a saddle with a cutout.

seamus

Seatpost too high, saddle at the wrong angle, too far forward/back, could be a whole pile of stuff really.

Haven't had an episode of numb mickey in a long time now. It's simultaneously horrifying and intriguing.

I agree with chakattack that it sounds like the first person to consult is a bike fitter.

el tel

A bike fitter may help treat the cause but the OP is looking for treatment for his/her symptoms. In that regard I don't know anyone who would be able to help.

chakattack

After much research I've drawn the following conclusions (for me):

Saddle shaped saddles (prologo scratch and fizik aliante) are amazingly comfortable to sit on, don't rub your inner thighs or bruise your sit bones, and feel great when pushing hard in the saddle BUT after 2 hours I get numbness.

Flat cutout saddles give zero numbness and are fine most of the time but sometimes rub me up the wrong way and don't have that armchair, I could sit here all day feeling.

Anyone have a suggestion for a compromise?

Anyone used one of these - Aliante with shallow pressure relief channel?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=58079

chakattack

el tel wrote: »

A bike fitter may help treat the cause but the OP is looking for treatment for his/her symptoms. In that regard I don't know anyone who would be able to help.

Unless it's severe - time heals all ailments

Chips Lovell

Sorry folks. Rules prohibit medical advice.