CYCLING INJURIES

mation), iliotibial band syndrome and tight hamstrings.

Table 1 outlines the possible causes and possible solutions that can be made to the cyclist's position on the bike.

INTERACTIVE 2

‘Breaking the Cycle of Injury’ - Article in

Intervention There are many treatment regimes for any of these problems but the most important thing is to check the rid- ing position and alter as suggested above. After this use RICE and appropriate treat- ments such as massage, stretching and strengthening exercises.

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Neck pain The biggest problem cyclists have in this area is related to the musculoskeletal pain in the back of the neck, pain from this area usually travels upwards causing headaches. You must consider a neurological origin and examination should take place on those grounds especially if there are symp- toms associated with upper-extremity symptoms such as pain and loss of sensa- tion or loss of power in the arms/hands. If there is any pain in front of the neck or jaw consider urgent medical help as this may be a symptom of cardiac origin.

Causes Neck pain can follow strain or overuse and a possible cause can be a fall or crash. The area may be at the back of the head but could become more generalised. If nerves are involved, radiating pains may travel to the upper extremities.

Possible causes include: ■ Muscle strain or spasm ■ Arthritis usually degenerative osteo- arthritis. Strain on vertebral joints from misalignment, usually secondary to disc problems

■ Herniation or bulge of an intervertebral disc, pain may radiate to the upper extremities.

Intervention The older cyclist tends to have a combi- nation of muscle strain and degenerative changes often associated with age. In younger cyclists neck pain is usually caused by muscle strains. Cycling neck strains are often caused by long rides and over-exertion during racing. The position on the bike can be a factor in helping overcome this problem. The racing posi-

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tion is usually more aerodynamic then the normal training/riding position, therefore cyclists should be encouraged to ride at least some of

their training

rides in racing posture. Stretching and flexibility exercises are recommended for relieving this problem.

Causes Extended riding time,

INTERACTIVE 3

Scapular syndrome The pain is usually situated in the scapula/upper back area where it may or may not be associated with neck, shoulder or arm symptoms. It is possible that it may not be cycling related and can overlap the back pain areas.

‘A Balancing Act for Cyclists’ - Article in sportEX dynamics issue 6

longer training/

racing rides giving more time for other factors to develop caus- ing tension in the area and rough terrain causing jarring especially in off road cyclists are common causes. Another cause may be too much pres- sure due to abnormal

weight distribution, particularly more weight on the upper arm and neck area, causing excessive use of upper back and neck musculature ie. during sprinting, climbing.

TABLE 1: BIKE ADJUSTMENTS BASED ON LOCATION OF KNEE PAIN Location

Causes Anterior Seat too low

Seat too far forward Climbing too much Big gears, low rpm Cranks to long

Medial

Exiting clipless pedals Feet too far apart

Solutions Raise seat

Move seat back

Reduce climbing activity Lower gears, more rpm Shorten cranks

Cleats - toes point out Modify cleat position - toes in Floating pedals

Limit float to 50 Lower tension

or fixed cleat

Modify cleat position move closer Shorten bottom bracket axle Use cranks with more offset Shim pedal on crank 2mm

Lateral Cleats - toes point in

Floating pedals Feet too close

Modify cleat - toe out Consider float pedals Limit float to 50

or fixed cleat

Modify cleat position move apart Longer bottom bracket axle Use cranks with more offset Shim pedals on crank 2mm

Posterior Seat too high

Seat too far back Floating pedals

Lower seat

Move seat forward Limit float to 50

or fixed cleat www.sportex.net