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Attention Cyclists!

January 25, 2016

cyclists

Cycling is great! You help save the planet, burn calories and save money!

Unfortunately there are some downfalls… Musculoskeletal injuries and imbalances are common among cyclists due to body posture / position and repetitive use of certain muscles.

Overstretching to reach the handlebars, backwards-sloping seats, wrong seat heights and soft tyres are just some of the factors that can contribute to neck and back pain in cyclists. According to the BCA, a staggering 73% of cyclists weren’t fitted for their bicycles last year* and one in five (22%) have experienced back or neck pain whilst or as a result of cycling**.

Tim Hutchful, a chiropractor from the BCA, says: “It’s great to see more and more people taking up cycling as it’s an excellent way to keep fit. However it’s really important to take the time to ensure you’re sitting comfortably and properly fitted to your bicycle, to avoid injuring your neck or back.
For beginners, a hybrid bike is regarded as a good all-rounder because whilst it is not as heavy as a mountain bike, it has thicker tyres than a road bike making it more stable. The frame of a hybrid bike also allows for a ‘relaxed’ cycling position, which you won’t get with a racing bike, for example. A chiropractor in your local area can advise you on how to approach cycling safely and tell you what signs to look for if you’re overdoing it.”

Some common cycling injuries include:

– Low back pain due to forward flexed posture during cycling
– Neck pain due to facet joint irritation, pinched nerves or strain to posterior neck muscles
– Shoulder pain
– Wrist and hand pain
– Knee pain

Make an appointment with our chiropractor to resolve any issues you may be experiencing, prevent injuries and enhance your cycling performance!

*Research conducted on behalf of the British Chiropractic Association in March 2013 of 485 UK adults.
**Research conducted on behalf of the British Chiropractic Association in March 2013 of
432 UK adults.

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