Road Cycling - numbness from saddle?

Hey guys, I've been riding for a few weeks now and I'm beginning to notice a "pins and needles" feeling in my upper left butt cheek when I do things like climb stairs, lift weights or walk quickly. I don't notice it so much when I'm actually riding... it just comes during other physical activities. :(

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and whether or not they have any suggestions?

Thanks

Hmm, try lifting or lowering your seat, or get a new saddle. Do you have shorts, with the padding?

is your saddle level?
is it a mountain or road bike?
have you been fitted to the bike by a professional?

Upper butt cheek sounds like non cycling related compression neuropathy of the
superficial femoral nerve, typically from belts or big wallets. Workmen types with
heavy belts tend to get this: coalminers, maintenance types with lots of tools,
policeman etc. Cycling related would be in the crotch or external genitalia. Steve

Upper butt cheek sounds like non cycling related compression neuropathy of the
superficial femoral nerve, typically from belts or big wallets. Workmen types with
heavy belts tend to get this: coalminers, maintenance types with lots of tools,
policeman etc. Cycling related would be in the crotch or external genitalia. Steve

So it sounds like if he took some of the money out of his wallet and gave it to me the discomfort would go away. Why that's a no brainer and he should definitely do it.

Hi,
start a stretching routine. Sounds like you might be sitting with more pressure on one side.

I agree with the stretching advice... often the smaller support muscles in and among the gluteus are subject to stress associated with new exercise and can spasm and compress nerves, especially the sciatica bundle as is passes through that area on the way down the leg.

Dave

Just keep riding and all the weird aches and pains will go away in time.

Just keep riding and all the weird aches and pains will go away in time.

While this is true for a lot of aches and pains, don't hesitate to ask about anything that lasts beyond a few hundred miles of riding. Assuming more miles will cure your pain can get you into serious problems :eek:

-murray

hey guys,
thanks for your comments. To answer some of your questions:

- I'm riding a road bike
- No, I have not had the bike professionally fitted. The only adjustment the lbs made when I bought it was the saddle height.
- Yes the saddle is level
- Yes, I wear a pair of pearl izumis with a chamois

sch brings up a good point in that the location of the numbness doesn't seem isn't common for bike riders. Most of the complaints I've heard of are closer to the groin.

I actually haven't been stretching that much before rides so I will definitely make sure to do a good comprehensive routine.

Retro Grouch - wanna help me with the wallet emptying thing? :)

One thing... if you have numbness or weak leg or back go see a Doc.
I found out about herniated disks that way.

Stay Cool,
The Mac