Every sport is prone to its own unique spectrum of injuries. For cycling, the most aerodynamically effective body position is bent forward, requiring constant support from the lower back. The sciatic nerve is particularly susceptible to being pinched when holding this position for an extended period, as many cyclists do.
Pathology of a Pinched Nerve
When a nerve is pinched anywhere in your body, its function is disrupted and may result in a number of symptoms. A pinched nerve may produce pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. A herniated disc is a common cause of pinched nerves, in which the cushioning material between spinal bones bulges out of its compartment and squeezes the nerve fibers.
Susceptible Nerves During Biking
Cyclists spend large periods of time flexing their lower back to keep their torso low and parallel to the ground. This pattern of riding exerts stress on the vertebrae in the lower back, increasing the likelihood of herniation and nerve impingement. A major nerve in the area of the small back sprouting from the lower lumbar spine, is the sciatic nerve, the longest in the body. Extending from your spinal cord, emerging as a plexus of converging nerves, down through your hip and into your leg, the sciatic nerve is susceptible to injury in bike riders with a history of lower back pain.
Consequences
The classic presentation of sciatic nerve impingement is pain that originates in the lower back, around the lumbar spine, and radiates into your pelvis and buttock, eventually reaching into the back of your upper leg. The characteristics of this pain are variable, ranging from an ache to a prominent, burning sensation. Many types of nerve damage are compared to jolts of electric shock moving through the area. Prolonged periods of sitting are known to aggravate symptoms. After a long day of bike riding, this constellation of symptoms would not be unusual.
Treatment
Many patients have success with their own self-care treatment, including altering between hot and cold packs, stretching, getting exercise and taking NSAIDs as needed. In some cases, it may be necessary for you to participate in physical therapy. This measure is more likely if there is a severely herniated disc impinging the sciatic nerve. Your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications along with a muscle relaxant. More aggressive treatments are available if these conservative measures aren't enough. Corticosteroid injections are used to suppress inflammation and relieve pain in the pinched nerve. Ultimately, surgery also is an option that may prove necessary to correct the anatomical abnormality causing the problem.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Sciatica; April 2010
- "Current Diagnosis and Treatment, Emergency Medicine; Arthritis and Back Pain; Terry Hermance and Richard Boggs; 2010
