Cycling With Pinched Nerves

Pinched nerves, or compressive neuropathy, result from too much pressure placed on a single nerve for an extended amount of time. The pressure inhibits the nerve's ability to function and can result in tingling and numbness. Pinched nerves are a common ailment of many cyclists and, if left untreated, can result in permanent nerve damage.

Symptoms

Common areas of pinched nerves associated with cycling are the wrists, neck and back, although pinched nerves can occur anywhere in the body 1. The affected area may feel numb, may tingle as if “going asleep,” may radiate a sharp, burning pain from the inside out or may even feel weak or twitch occasionally.

Causes

Pinched nerves associated with cycling are most often caused by poor posture, poor bike fit or an unchanged position after extended periods of riding. Numbness or tingling in the hands, specifically the ring and little finger, can be caused by extended pressure of the wrists on the handlebars combined with road vibrations through the bars. Pain in the neck is caused by stiffness while riding or neglecting to stop and stretch every 5 to 10 minutes. Lower back pain, or pain that radiates from the lower back down into the buttocks, is caused by poor posture habits both on and off the bike, a lack of stretching before and after riding and poor bicycle fit.

Treatment

Once a pinched nerve develops, it can easily be treated and healed as long as the affected individual realizes the need for immediate treatment and rest. If you experience pain, numbness or tingling in any area of your body while riding, stop your exercise and give your nerves time to rest. Take this time to visit a bike shop and have them evaluate your riding posture and bike fit. If the pain does not subside in 5 to 10 days, consult your doctor. Your doctor might advise taking an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce any swelling in your muscles that could be putting pressure on your nerves. Physical therapy might also be recommended.

Prevention

Evaluate your bike posture and redistribute your weight if your wrists, neck or back are in pain. Stretching your hamstrings before and after riding can help relieve pressure on your lower back. Incorporating abdominal crunches into your exercise routine will strengthen the muscles around your lower back and help condition you for longer rides and harder climbs, according to Cycling Performance Tips 1. In many cases, reexamining the size of your bike and finding a more suitable fit, as well as paying attention to proper posture on and off the bike, will help prevent future problems.