Neck ache

[jpb]

whilst out on a few rides, i've noticed after around 25 miles, i start to get bad nech and head aches. what can i adjust to sort this out. i've changed my stem as the one fitted was way to big at 140mm but now changed to 110mm which is correct but still causing the neck ache. would moving the seat back help and is there other things i could do to sort this out??

 

[aberal]

It could well simply be your posture on the bike. If you let your head droop too much it causes strain on the neck muscles which tighten and go into spasm, which is what is likely causing the headaches. First port of call - go to a trustworthy LBS and see if they can set your bike up properly for you. Second - try a sports physio who should be able to ease any immediate problems but can also give you stretching exercises to do which should help the muscles.

 

[MacB]

agree with making sure bike is setup correctly and also the posture, Sheldon Brown did a whole piece on this explaining how your posture slumps as you tire and can lead to pains that are nothing to do with bike fit. I found it when I started riding a lot, I did tweak my setup a bit but would get severe kneck pain after about 35 miles. After reading the Sheldon article I paid attention to my posture and realised that I was very prone to letting my upper body slump between the shoulder blades as I got tired.

 

[Matthew_T]

If you feel a bit of ache, you should try to circulate your limbs. It puts pressure on your muscles being in the same position (even if you are getting out of the seat) for ages. Or just pull over, and stretch your legs and back.

It is the exact same when sitting down. I am currently sitting on my bed, with my laptop on my lap (obviously ), and my legs straight. And my bum is starting to hurt a little bit now.

 

[rockyraccoon]

I was getting neck aches and managed to solve the problem by raising the stem

 

[henshaw11]

probably doesn't add much, but a very recent thread:

https://www.cyclechat.net/

 

[BigTone0777]

As Rocky said heightening the stem might help giving you a more upright position. I prefer to be more upright than I used to before a long break from cycling and am currently dropping the bars bit by bit to try to train myself into a lower position.

 

[MacB]

As Rocky said heightening the stem might help giving you a more upright position. I prefer to be more upright than I used to before a long break from cycling and am currently dropping the bars bit by bit to try to train myself into a lower position.

That's worth highlighting, i think people can throw themselves in at the deep end and their expectations can be unrealistic.

 

[jpb]

thanks guys. just raised the stem and about to go out on it so I'll post on here how it goes.

 

[Herzog]

thanks guys. just raised the stem and about to go out on it so I'll post on here how it goes.

Another thing to consider. Depending on how long you've owned/ridden the bike in question, it may be a case of training your neck a little (within in reason, discomfort is ok, pain is not).

 

[cyberknight]

http://www.caree.org/bike101bikefit.htm

 

[jpb]

went for a ride earlier. adjusted the seat higher a few timmes and hey presto...neck pain vanished. all sorted and quite comfortable.

i have noticed that when i get exhausted, i do tend to slouch a little bit. now i know this, i know i need to correct it.

thanks for the help.