Fifty Plus (50+) - athritic neck

any one have a spot that is painful on the lower neck upper back?Been diagnosed as arthritis,and is really bad this time of year.The bad thing is the pain is not on every ride,same bike same set up.Have raised bars and shortened reach.thanks

I can feel for you.A couple of months ago I went to the orthopedic specialist for my( bad elbow another story), knees ,and shoulders. After the Dr. looked at my neck I ended up in Physical therapy .Like you I have good days and bad days .Some days it hurts to shave other days the pain is less.I think some of the neck exercises are helping .I have a special pillow for my neck that I think helps the most.

I was diagnosed with arthritis in the neck several years ago. I ride a road bike with the handlebars set slightly higher than the seat. I've found yoga neck exercises are a great way to keep the neck limber and the pain at a minimum.

Here's a few I use - http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yogapractice/neckexercises.asp

.I have a special pillow for my neck that I think helps the most.

Can you provide any specifics on the pillow?

An MRI on my neck for something else a while back spotted arthritis forming and I'm starting to notice the pain more and more - will have to do something different soon.

Thanks,
Ron

I was diagnosed with arthritis in the neck several years ago. I ride a road bike with the handlebars set slightly higher than the seat. I've found yoga neck exercises are a great way to keep the neck limber and the pain at a minimum.

Here's a few I use - http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yogapractice/neckexercises.asp

Thanks for posting the exercises, Beverly.

About 10 years ago I learned that I have compressed disks and bone spurs in my neck. At the time, I was told that everyone has them. Well, I wonder if it's normal for one's neck to pop LOUDLY when taking a bite of food, or yawning -- this started a few months ago and is a bit scary when it happens. I'm only 53 -- I wonder what my neck will be like if I live to be my parents' age. :eek:

Neck pain for me used to be bad at this time of the year. Cured most of it by taking the Visor off the helmet.

There are apparently dozens of types of arthritis. They all reportedly respond well to exercise. I would suggest looking for and experimenting with exercises that work the affected joints.

I have a similar issue with my right upper-arm/shoulder. As long as I do a version of the shoulder press with light weight (50 to 60 lbs), I'm not bothered with pain. If I skip a session or two it'll get sore whether I take Glucosamine or not.

Al

Have been hit by cars twice with fractured neck, six other vertebrae, both collarbones, ribs etc. etc. Have neck pain while sleeping and headaches upon waking, and would very much appreciate knowing what specific pillows others are using. My current not-so-great ortho pillow is wearing out and needs replacement. Thanks! Paul

I had neck suregry at 50 & was told I probably would need another one later in life. My neck looks awful on X-Rays. The surgery helped greatly, but there is still a lot of arthritis in my neck. Besides exercises, Ibuprofen, etc., if my neck is really bad, I apply heat. ANY type of heat. A shawl wrapped around my neck ,, even while riding,,, one of those foam neck brace collars, even when riding/sleeping,,, etc., etc.

Arthritis responds well to moist heat, and large doses of Opiate painkillers. Had an mri done, arthritis in my back, neck, lower back, hips and knees, shoulders, too. Doctor suspects getting off a motorcycle at 60 mph a few decades ago, caused bone spurs in my shoulder. Hence a prescription for 250 mg/tramadol/day, While I preferred Aspirin, my drug for Stroke prevention, makes me subject to internal bleeding, so I reluctantly take Tylenol.

Take a long hot shower, it will do wonders for you... Of course, you just put up with it, but I suggest you get a dutch style bike.