Stiff neck after riding for a while?
07-31-08 | 07:11 PM
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Ottawa, On
Bikes: 08 Specialized Allez Sport
Stiff neck after riding for a while?
So I've been getting into the riding thing more and more, trying to make it a standard part of my day. However, when I go for rides for 2 hours my neck really starts to bother me, right at the base of my spine.
It doesn't hurt that much for sub-two hour rides, but I really start to notice it and sometimes have to ride up in a less aerodynamic position to straighten my neck.
It doesn't hurt that much for sub-two hour rides, but I really start to notice it and sometimes have to ride up in a less aerodynamic position to straighten my neck.
07-31-08 | 07:26 PM
#2
Hills hurt.. Couches kill
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,370
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From: Brazil, IN
Bikes: 1991 Specialized Sirrus Triple, 2010 Trek Madone 6.5 Project One, 2012 Cannondale Caad10, 2013 Trek Crockett
I feel your pain on this, literally. Mine cramps up right on the right side of the base of my neck. It did it when I started riding at 11 and does it now that I've started again at 34.
07-31-08 | 07:28 PM
#3
Cat3.*....Cat2
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,171
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From: Livonia, MI
Bikes: A lot.
Do you were eye glasses? When I am having problems with my contacts, I resort to my normal glasses, however, the way they are designed, you have to put your head up a bit more then if you wear contacts and cycling glasses and I'll get neck pains like your talking about.
07-31-08 | 07:32 PM
#4
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,135
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From: Queanbeyan, Australia.
Try taking some Magnesium. After 2 hours of riding you will have used up your magnesium stores and your muscles will be finding it hard to relax. Usually the first place I feel it is in the neck.
Regards, Anthony
Regards, Anthony
07-31-08 | 07:37 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,879
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From: Northern California
Most upper body cycling pain is caused by poor posture on the bike and/or poor core strength. Poor posture usually involves not bending your elbows enough and thus putting excessive pressure on your shoulders, upper back, and hands. The fix is to bend your elbows (and waist) more, though this may require changes to your saddle and handlebar position.
Core strength can be fixed by simple exercises. Look for books in your library or bookstore with "core strength" in the title.
Just say no to drugs.
Core strength can be fixed by simple exercises. Look for books in your library or bookstore with "core strength" in the title.
Just say no to drugs.
07-31-08 | 08:01 PM
#6
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From: Ottawa, On
Bikes: 08 Specialized Allez Sport
Looks like I have a few things to look into. I don't think its the Magnesium though, because it can start to irritate me a bit earlier on the rides too.
I'm leaning towards the bad posture, potentially with a bit of core-strength issues. But more than likely the posture.
I'm leaning towards the bad posture, potentially with a bit of core-strength issues. But more than likely the posture.
08-01-08 | 05:22 AM
#8
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From: Queanbeyan, Australia.
Regards, Anthony
