Road Cycling - neck spasms

a few days ago, i went to turn my head, but my head wouldnt turn, there was an extreme pain. So i went to a bed to lay down and got in a comfortable position and after an hour, iwas stuck, i couldnt get up. After that i was takin to the docotr and was loaded up with muscle relaxers, tylonol, and morphine. they took an x-ray and it was negative. The doctor said i was having muscle spasms in my neck and got sent home in a neck brace. I'm wondering what caused this...i remember last week i went on a long ride with a club and my neck was kind of sore from holding my head up i guess. could that have caused the spasms afew days later

Neck problems are pretty common. AFter a long ride I get neck pain too- at the bottom of my neck where it joins the back.

I would suggest some neck stretches after a ride. Bend your head forward and clasp your hands, press them gently against the back of your head. Then tilt your head back and let it just hang.

Another stretch is to sit down and put your hands at your sides. Let your head tilt to one side and walk your fingers of your other hand out along the floor, so you feel a deeper stretch along the side of your neck (trapezius). Do the same thing on the other side. Also, try rolling your shoulders backward and forward.

If your neck is sore after a ride, sit with a heating pad on it for a while, and try taking some robaxacet before bed. DON'T take it before a ride, but motrin is okay. But the best thing is stretching!

One problem with the "road" position -- and one problem with long-distance driving -- is that one tends to keep the same position all the time. Neck muscles have to do static work to keep the head constantly in the same position, and they often tend to cramp a bit.

Obviously, follow your doctor's recommendations to cure your problem first. But then, when you cycle, try to keep your head moving around.

Regards,

hmm... is this right?

-->:roflmao:<--

I try to look at my peddles and/or look back to see what gear I am in, as often as I think of it, to give my neck a break. This keeps it from getting stiff. Pay attention to how your neck feels and try to use your eyes to see the road, instead of holding your head up strait into the wind. Not that you are doing that, but I was, and my neck payed the price.
Or I may be smoking crack,, i dont know anything about it. hehe

You may be hunching your shoulders up when riding. I try to move my shoulders around and stretch my neck out every so often to relax. Also, if your arms get tired, you may be gripping the bars too tightly with your hands....this prevents your moving naturally and will put pressure on your neck and the lower back.

Also, try to switch riding positions every few minutes...drops, shifters/brakes, and bar tops all just switch the muscles around to prevent problems.

Just suggestions...

Hi,

You need to have your bike fit done by a professional. It only costs about $30, and is the best money you can spend on your cycling.

Also, get yourself to a chiropractor. The symptoms you describe indicate an underlying problem that will become recurring unless you actively address it. Sure, it'll settle down in a few days, but it will become aggravated again, probably in the spring, when your mileage increases.

Good Luck!