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Upper neck injury

Discussion in 'Health and Safety' started by trog, Apr 19, 2011.  |  Print Topic

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  1. trog

    trog

    Region:
    South
    State/Country:
    Spain
    Ride:
    speed machine
    Name:
    Alister
    I have been revisited by pain in my upper neck caused by 3 ruptured upper vertabra 18 months ago (thought I had sorted it) and a lot of cycling on a commutor/tourer these last 3 months. I am now taking the plunge and visiting D tek (UK) and trying out a bunch of bents for size.
    Q. I want a fairly upright bent such as the ICE B1/2. Anyone out there with a similar injury advice on my choice and a way round this type of injury.
    Thanks in anticipation.
    trog:wink9:
     
    trog, Apr 19, 2011
    #1
  2. Mtwnrocket

    Mtwnrocket Supporter

    Region:
    NorthEast
    State/Country:
    TN
    City:
    Morristown
    Ride:
    Corsa;Rocket;C700
    Name:
    Dave
    I have 3D (Degenerative Disk Disease) and last spring was diagnosed with cervical stenosis with myelopathy. Characterized by numbness in left arm and leg, a result of spinal cord pressure from neck vertebrae, but oddly and thankfully little pain. May 2010 had a tri-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) at C3-4, C4-5, and C5-6 vertebrae/disk sites. Head rotation extents are now less than before but on by a few degrees.
    I did the right thing for me by having the surgery.

    You asked about "a way round this type of injury." The injury can be just that, or it can be hereditary, or it can be an age-related issue. But once it occurs the solutions are limited; living with the pain or corrective surgery are two of the few options. Either way, the situation will rarely get better and/or correct itself. I encourage you to at least talk with an orthopedic surgeon.

    That said, I have over 20,000 miles on my RANS Rocket in 8 years. 2,000 miles has been since the ACDF. Would have ridden more but winter and rainy weather has been our mantra until recently. A recumbent will be much easier on your neck and spine due to the riding position. I ride in a very reclined position, although not as much as in a low-racer. That's just my preference. Personally I prefer the Rocket's short wheel base dual, 20" wheels, and straight-across handlebar. Doesn't matter so long as your bike fits you and it gets ridden. You're doing the right thing in trying out different bikes. A good dealer will help you find the right one.
     
    Mtwnrocket, Apr 21, 2011
    #2
  3. A.D.

    A.D. #1 Custodian

    Region:
    SouthEast
    State/Country:
    TN
    City:
    Athens
    Ride:
    Reynolds T-Bone
    Name:
    AD
    I agree with Dave, in that your best option is to try several out and see what fits you best. While you can ride a bike that's a little too long, or a little too short finding the 'right' one is a dream come True. :wink9:

    Aside from that, many recumbents have a lot of adjustment in the amount of seat tilt they offer. Assuming you pick one up with such adjustability, it'll just be a try-and-see what position feels 'right' or 'best' for you.

    On a semi-related note, I've had back pain in the past and the single thing that has helped me more than anything else was getting an adjustable bed.(i.e. the kind you see in hospitals, where you can raise/lower the head/foot of the bed) Mine has a Zero-Gravity position (similar to the position the astronauts sleep) and it's just perfect for me...

    My point is, are you getting proper stress-relief for your neck injury when you're sleeping at night :question: If not, that could be a part of the answer to your problem in the long run.
     
    A.D., Apr 21, 2011
    #3
  4. A.D.

    A.D. #1 Custodian

    Region:
    SouthEast
    State/Country:
    TN
    City:
    Athens
    Ride:
    Reynolds T-Bone
    Name:
    AD
    One other thing to keep in mind...
    What Is Easier on the Joints: A Recumbent or Stationary Bike?

    Positioning

    The one factor affecting impact that you can adjust is the positioning of the seat relative to the pedals. When your pedal is placed at the furthest position from your torso, your knee should be slightly bent, to between five and 10 degrees. If your seat is too close to your pedals, you will severely increase knee strain. Conversely, moving your seat too far from your pedals increases the strain on your back, especially on a recumbent bicycle.

    source livestrong.com​


    Also,
    There's far less neck pain because the rider's head remains in a "neutral" position. Arms and shoulders don't bear any weight, relieving any pain in those areas. People with sciatica and herniated discs report that riding a recumbent bike reduces or eliminates the pain in their lower back.​
    source Recumbent Bicycles for Back Pain
     
    A.D., Apr 21, 2011
    #4
  5. A.D.

    A.D. #1 Custodian

    Region:
    SouthEast
    State/Country:
    TN
    City:
    Athens
    Ride:
    Reynolds T-Bone
    Name:
    AD
    Amongst the serious of your question, I forgot to say it's good to see ya finally posting on here! :wink9: :goodluck: with your quest on finding the right recumbent for you, and keep us posted on your progress! :jiggy9:
     
    A.D., Apr 21, 2011
    #5
  6. IrvJamison

    IrvJamison

    Region:
    NorthWest
    State/Country:
    OR
    City:
    Beaverton
    Ride:
    Visions,KMX
    Name:
    Irv
    I had a two level fusion 4 years ago with permanent vocal cord damage, loss of rotation and balance problems as a result. *Be sure that if you are thinking about cervical fusion that you think long and hard about the possible outcomes, what ifs and can you live with the pain and possible side effects.* I also have 2 torn low back discs that I have currently refused surgery for until they get much worse. I currently ride both a Tadpole trike and two-wheel recumbent that have the seats reclined at about 35-40 degrees. I mainly ride the trike and have no additional pain due to the seat angle. If I sit in a more upright position I get more leg pain/numbness and back pain. The 35-40 degrees works well for me.
     
    IrvJamison, Apr 25, 2011
    #6
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