Neck pain

Barack Obama

Hi, Im returning to cycling and got myself a Lapierre hybrid bike from the Cycle Superstore as part of the bike to work scheme. The problem is that I've only been on the bike a few times and each time it results in neck pain. I thought that it was just a matter of building up strength but no, it got so bad I ended up in the osteopath

Anyway, im pretty sure that the frame size is correct for me. Could it be a simple matter of the setup? Ive noticed that compared to other hybrids that I see, my saddle is quite high, a good few inches above the handlebars so this is probably putting additional pressure on my neck. I'm going to adjust the saddle down and the bars up before testing again tomorrow but id welcome any further advice that anyone might have?

thanks!

not yet

Could be any number of things..

I still get a slight bit of neck pain from time to time, try changing your hand position on the bars every couple of Ks, bend your elbows slightly, relax your hands and don't stiffen up, try keeping your back as straight possible.

Maybe get of every 10k and stretch a bit. Most importantly, don't give up.

victorcarrera

Hybrid handlebars lower than seat doesn't sound right to me or unnecessary at least. First adjust your seat height to your leg length. Then I would suggest you try handle bars 10 cm higher and increase if necessary (provided it is safe to do so). This will allow you to sit up more. I wouldn't get too worried about it in the beginning. Even experienced cyclists will get pain in the back of the neck on long spins in the prone position.
If you don't feel competent with adjusting the handlebars get someone who is to do it for you and don't exceed the max height if that applies.

crosstownk

I've a neck problem that has nothing to do with the bike. I've a protruding disc in my cervical spine that gives me a tingling sensation in my right arm. I've had an MRI scan and the doc said I need to strengthen my neck muscles. He gave me some simple exercise like using my hand to push against neck movements in all directions. It worked within weeks.

However, since I started cycling again over a year ago, my neck issues haven't appeared since. My neck used to be stiff/tight after long spins but the more I cycled the less the stiffness became - now after a 100km spin I don't notice anything.

outfox

I had a neck issue when I started cycling on a hybrid 2-3 years ago. With the help of a physio, I figured out 2 things that made a big difference. Maybe you could try these:

1. Try to improve your off bike posture, so that you're more erect, with head held high. This will help long term.
2. When on the bike, try to stop your back arching too much, as this causes you to slump. Try to keep the back straight, and your neck on the same line, as if there's a poker in your spine, from your head to your lower back. It means tilting your pelvis forward rather than having it flat on the saddle.

It's worth a shot. I used to have neck pain after 30 km, bad enough to take neurofen. Now I can do 160 km without issue. It takes time to adopt the new posture.

outfox

Had the same problem. Couldn't do 30 km without neurofen when I got a hybrid 2-3 years ago. I found the following (gleaned from the web) made a HUGE difference: Modify your posture on the bike, like as if there's a poker in your spine, from your head to your lower back. It means tilting your pelvis forward, rather than having it flat. This is way easier to achieve on a road bike I found. Now 160 km no problem, but need to remember to maintain position throughout spin. Hope this helps.

outfox

Sorry - I thought my first post had deleted or something, hence second post.
This shows you how much I feel your pain!

Barack Obama

Really appreciate the feedback guys - thanks!!

CramCycle

MOD VOICE: Unfortunately medical advice is forbidden on the site, thread closed, PM me if anyone wants this reopened.