I get a pain inthe backof neck on longer rides. The pain is on the right side, at the base, where my traps hook into my neck or shoulder. The pain gets pretty bad, to where I can hardly look to the right. I have to massage that spot to relieve the pain/tension. Once I stop and relax for 10-15 minutes the pain goes away.... then it starts back up in 10-15 minutes once I am back on the road.

I was discussing this with a buddy who is also going on the ride and he said he gets the same thing. I said I would search for any information on line (he thinks this internet/computer thing is just a fad)

I am planning a long ride in a couple of weeks and would love some suggestions to relieve this pain in my neck!!!!!

Thanks in advance!!!!

 

Assuming this is not something you need to see a chiropractor for...

I get some neck fatigue at highway speeds along the coast. The wind is particularly heavy and I seem to always ride into it. A windshield helps a lot. In the absence of that, riding at slower speeds. They seemed to be the most practical and effective solutions for me.

 

I've had the same problem before. What I suggest is that you play with the handlebars and/or replace the bars. Seems that I was reaching further than I should have been. Adjusting the bars helped.

 

Getting the right bars and having them fit right certainly helps some of the back/neck/shoulder pains. You may check your setup to see if they're fitted right, or maybe consider getting a different style?

Given that computers have been in the mainstream for around 20 years, I don't think they're considered 'fad' any more. They're pretty pervasive, if your buddy hadn't noticed! [sm=pcwhack.gif] Could just be my opinion, though! [sm=roll.gif][sm=roll.gif][sm=roll.gif][sm=roll.gif][sm=roll.gif][sm=roll.gif]

Roger

 

Yeah he is a real Christmas Treat

 

Hi Neighbor (I'm over in Chatsworth),

Your problem, barring some preexisting physical issue, is either the bars or your helmet. As to the bars, if you're reaching too far or if your wrists are turned wrong, it's going to hurt eventually. My suggestion would be to call Wild 1 (800-337-8870), the manufacturers of Chubby bars, describe your exact problem, and see if their suggestion makes any sense to you.

The second issue may be your helmet. I know you wear one because you're in CA, but I don't know what kind you wear. If it's a half-helmet, forget it. But if you wear a full face or (especially) a flip type, it simply may be too heavy, leading to neck pain after a while.

I had a similar problem. Switched to Chubby 0518 bars (on my Heritage Classic) and bought a carbon fiber full face (HJC, same as the HD FXRG helmet but $200 cheaper) to replace the Caberg flip I was wearing--and no more pain even after a full day.

Good luck!

 

i had the same problem, got a solo seat, left the wife home and the problem went away.

 

Take it from someone who has broke a vertebrae in the neck before, It is mostly the weight of a heavy helmet. You either have to go to a full face helmet for even distribution of the helmets weight, or to a new carbon fiber DOT helmet, or last case scenerio a novelty helmet. The half helmets sit all the way on top of your head andthe slightest side to side movementmakes your balanced melon into a top heavybone compressing fleshy lump. No Offence LOL. Think about it, when you ride for long periods then stop, your helmet is off and the pressure on your neck is no longer there. The pain subsides then after the ride home , is pain pain pain all over again. it is nothing to mess with because if your pinching a nerve you could loose muscle twitch ( Fast reaction time) and as we all know a slow reaction time on a bike these days is not good. Just my thought

 

I think they call these random pains...old age!

J/K, could be the helmet, as discussed, or your seat/handlebar set-up.

 

Pull the bars back. Start with two inches at the top. Then take an asprin and post us in the morning.Anyway , that did it for me , hope it helps.