A pinched neck nerve as the result of cycling can be a worrisome and painful condition. The extent of injury can vary from temporary to permanent harm. Because early diagnosis is essential to prevent further complications and damage, it is important to understand how pinched nerves develop during cycling and how they can be treated.
Symptoms
An exercise-related pinched nerve in the neck can range in severity from a mild ache to a sharp and burning sensation. In addition, you can experience other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, twitching and the feeling of "pins and needles" in the neck. Pain can radiate outward from the injured area and worsen when you apply exertion via exercise such as bicycling. In addition, sneezing, coughing and even sleep can exacerbate symptoms.
Causes
A pinched nerve in the neck develops during cycling when excessive pressure is applied to the nerves of the neck by the surrounding cartilage or bones. This can develop from poor posture while cycling, injuring yourself by falling or colliding with an object while bicycling or just the repetitive motions and body position involved with cycling. In addition, a pinched neck nerve during cycling can be a symptom of an underlying condition such as a herniated disk or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Treatments
To treat a pinched nerve in the neck as the result of cycling, rest the affected area. If it occurs chronically, you will have to give up cycling permanently. Immobilize the area with a brace if possible while the injury heals. If pain does not subside after a few weeks, contact a doctor. He can prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxant or perform physical therapy or surgery to take pressure off of the nerve.
Considerations
You are more likely to develop a pinched nerve during cycling if you are a woman, have poor posture, overuse your muscles with excessive exercise, are obese, are pregnant or have rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, some people are genetically predisposed to conditions that cause pinched nerves in the neck. Make sure that you immediately treat or contact a doctor if you experience symptoms of a pinched neck nerve. Damage can be irreversible if left untreated.
