Bike Shops
Coaches
Fitters
Race Calendar
Running Stores
Store
Stack & Reach
Training Log
Triathlon Clubs
We Noticed
MAIN INDEX
RULES & LEGEND
LOG IN
Slowtwitch Forums
:
Triathlon Forum
:
Neck pain from being in aero position
Tri
Classifieds
Lavender
Jobs
Womens
Notices
Print Thread
GAIJIN
Apr 21, 12 3:29
Post #1 of 16
(2211 views)
Neck pain from being in aero position
Quote
|
Reply
Hi,
Picked up my first ever tri specific bike today, a shiv. Loving it, but I'm conscious of tightness in my neck from the aero position. I had a FIST fit and I feel ever so comfortable - I'm simply conscious of the ache after only an hour or so. Does it get easier? Do you guys massage or exercise (if so, any specifics would help) or will it get easier?
My caveat on this is that this is really the first time I've ridden a bike that isn't an oma fiets style sit-up-and-beg bike. I'm not some kind of 19th century throwback, I've just always ridden mountain bikes or commuters with short twitchy stems and high rise bars.
So... Considering my cycling background is it simply a case of HTFU?
TheBeek
Apr 21, 12 3:33
Post #2 of 16
(2206 views)
Re: Neck pain from being in aero position [GAIJIN]
[
In reply to
]
Quote
|
Reply
It'll take awhile to adjust...3-6 weeks probably. But its normal, dont sweat it.
Shiv-mama
Apr 21, 12 10:27
Post #3 of 16
(2079 views)
Re: Neck pain from being in aero position [GAIJIN]
[
In reply to
]
Quote
|
Reply
You will adjust to the new position, it just takes time. I get relief after long rides from massage, and stretching. The best stretch I have found is very simple and you can do it any where...I mostly do it in the car or in a high backed chair. Sitting in the chair or while riding in the car, press the back of your head into the headrest and try to "flatten" the back of your neck against the seat while slightly tucking your chin. The harder you press with your head the better thestretch. Hold it for a couple of seconds and repeat. You will be able to feel the stretch all the way down your back! Super simple and super effective!
mtbender
Apr 21, 12 15:51
Post #4 of 16
(1992 views)
Re: Neck pain from being in aero position [GAIJIN]
[
In reply to
]
Quote
|
Reply
I can't agree that it goes away. I've been riding 200 miles/wk and still get the pain. Massage absolutely helps, if you can afford it. Stay away from bikram yoga or at least participate minimally in the first pose, which really exacerbates my discomfort.
Damanwithaplan
Apr 21, 12 15:58
Post #5 of 16
(1986 views)
Re: Neck pain from being in aero position [mtbender]
[
In reply to
]
Quote
|
Reply
mtbender wrote:
I can't agree that it goes away. I've been riding 200 miles/wk and still get the pain. Massage absolutely helps, if you can afford it. Stay away from bikram yoga or at least participate minimally in the first pose, which really exacerbates my discomfort.
Stay away from Bikram Yoga?? To mean that doesn't make sense this is the only thing that loosens me up.
mtbender
Apr 21, 12 16:19
Post #6 of 16
(1971 views)
Re: Neck pain from being in aero position [Damanwithaplan]
[
In reply to
]
Quote
|
Reply
I'm still doing it, too, and said that half-jokingly. But that first pose with your hands under your chin exacerbates the cervical pain I get from riding in the aero position. Don't you have the same experience? Quite possibly I'm doing it all wrong.
Allie
Apr 21, 12 19:11
Post #7 of 16
(1891 views)
Re: Neck pain from being in aero position [GAIJIN]
[
In reply to
]
Quote
|
Reply
It has taken me about 3 weeks to get to where it isn't a huge issue after a ride. What helped me were the stretches, warm moist heat and lying vertically on a foam roller with the top of the roller at the cervical spine to where the head weight does a self-stretch.
beebs
Apr 21, 12 22:33
Post #8 of 16
(1792 views)
Re: Neck pain from being in aero position [GAIJIN]
[
In reply to
]
Quote
|
Reply
Main thing is to try and relax your shoulders to let your back and neck naturally fall into position. Any position you have to "hold" is going to hurt eventually IMHO.
NickG
Apr 21, 12 22:45
Post #9 of 16
(1780 views)
Re: Neck pain from being in aero position [GAIJIN]
[
In reply to
]
Quote
|
Reply
It will be an adjustment period. Also, be sure you are only looking with your eyes and not moving your head every time you look somewhere. Doing this is like doing a bunch or "neck-ups" that will just put strain on your neck the whole time and wear you out. But yes, it will take a bunch of rides before your neck no longer hurts in the aero, keep working at it, it gets better.
_________________________
- The key is to lift with your back in a twisting, jerking motion
GAIJIN
Apr 22, 12 4:36
Post #10 of 16
(1703 views)
Re: Neck pain from being in aero position [NickG]
[
In reply to
]
Quote
|
Reply
Thanks for the encouragement!
xctfnorseman
Apr 23, 12 18:59
Post #11 of 16
(1550 views)
Re: Neck pain from being in aero position [GAIJIN]
[
In reply to
]
Quote
|
Reply
Proper bike fit and try to get you arm angle as close to 90 degrees. This has helped me (along with yoga and massage).
jkendurance
Apr 23, 12 19:04
Post #12 of 16
(1545 views)
Re: Neck pain from being in aero position [xctfnorseman]
[
In reply to
]
Quote
|
Reply
When you're in the 90 degree position is your weight on your saddle, your forearms, elbows or what? I'm fussing with my fight and trying to figure out where to balance it all.
GAIJIN
Apr 23, 12 19:11
Post #13 of 16
(1535 views)
Re: Neck pain from being in aero position [jkendurance]
[
In reply to
]
Quote
|
Reply
My fit was done by an ST F.I.S.T. certified fitter here in oz. My arms are almost at 90 degrees, my pads are not directly under my elbows, they feel about 3-4cm up my arm. Position wise, this feels fine to me. My weight also feels very well distributed - I don't feel like my bum is taking all the weight, but neither do my arms. To that end, I'm well impressed with the way my body "feels' in aero. I am heading out for another ride tomorrow so I'll try and relax head more and use my eyes to see, rather than lifting head too much.
aarondavidson
Apr 24, 12 6:52
Post #14 of 16
(1458 views)
Re: Neck pain from being in aero position [GAIJIN]
[
In reply to
]
Quote
|
Reply
It comes from a lack of strength in your neck/back/shoulders. Keep at it, and if you ride on a trainer a ton, try to wear a helmet occasionally. I found that when I used to ride 90% of the time on my trainer I would get neck soreness when I moved outside. It was from the added weight of a helmet. If on occasion I wore a helmet inside it helped to strengthen my neck.
I ride outside more often now so I no longer experience this,
--
Aaron Davidson
jkendurance
Apr 24, 12 17:45
Post #15 of 16
(1357 views)
Re: Neck pain from being in aero position [GAIJIN]
[
In reply to
]
Quote
|
Reply
Superman and cobra stretches help. Or start surfing.
Damanwithaplan
Apr 24, 12 17:53
Post #16 of 16
(1350 views)
Re: Neck pain from being in aero position [mtbender]
[
In reply to
]
Quote
|
Reply
mtbender wrote:
I'm still doing it, too, and said that half-jokingly. But that first pose with your hands under your chin exacerbates the cervical pain I get from riding in the aero position. Don't you have the same experience? Quite possibly I'm doing it all wrong.
Sorry bro didn't mean to jump at you.
No never had that experience that first pose I just kinda go through the motions and focus on which chicks are going to be my focus point throughout the class. So yes you are doing it wrong ;o)
Print Thread
this forum
this category
all forums
All words
Any words
Whole Phrase
Market Influence
What influences your swim/bike/run product buying decisions most? The use of products by, or comments made by or in:
Pro cyclists?
Pro triathletes?
My non-Slowtwitcher friends?
Forum members and other Slowtwitchers?
Slowtwitch tech articles and forum moderators?
Other magazines?
Manufacturers?
My LBS?
Ratings/comments on other websites?
Other
