Neck injury

[shooter]

I'm trying to figure out the best way to get rid of a stiff neck from riding. I have a fused vertebrae in my neck & it is aggravating my neck to hold my head up. So I'm trying to figure out the best frame, headset, seat stem and so on to help get my head lifted a little. I normally ride a 58CM road bike like a Trek 5000 for instance. 
I'm sure I am not the first to have this issue & would appreciate some suggestions.

Thanks in advance!!!

[Pat]

Shooter - I'm sorry to hear about your problems.  I've never had vertebra fused, so I cannot comment on that.  I am recovering from a rotator cuff tendon problem, and wen through extensive therapy (including weights) to strengthen the right muscles in my shoulder.

That being said, I am 61, and a day on my Surly includes the usual dose of stiff necks and shoulders.  Sometimes, at the end of the ride, I almost feel like the Hunchback of Notre Dame.  I have worked with my LBS, and they wanted to get me more upright, and a little closer to the handlebars -- to limit the shoulder reaching and the neck bending.  Second, I have regularly included one or two weight sessions a week, concentrating on core strength, shoulders and neck, as well as steps for legs (which has nothing to do with this).  Third, I religiously stretch after a ride - if my neck or shoulders feel stiff, I will stretch at a stop (doesn't take more than about 5-10 minutes so I don't lose much time).

Long winded way of saying - you might want to talk to your LBS about this, and maybe a sports medicine MD.

Good luck,

Pat

[bogiesan]

1. Find a good physical therapist who understand bicycles and bike-specific exercises.
2. Don't even think about a chiropractor.
3. Look at the remarkably broad variety of designs in recumbents: high racers, low racers, short wheelbase, long wheelbase, tricycles with headrests. It's too bad you have a physical issue that might point you toward a 'bent becasue, once you're on it, you're oging to say to yourself, "Should have got this years ago."

[shooter]

I am working with a physical therapist now & we are making progress. I have considered the Recumbent idea just makes since. Problem is I'm one of them guys who still thinks he needs to race around haven't settled into the idea of just a relaxing ride. Not to say you guy's & gal's on Recumbent don't race around. I think you understand what I'm trying to say. What can a guy get a decent Recumbent for $$ & what brands & model's would you recommend?

Thanks for the great advice!

[driftlessregion]

Find a really good professional to give you a bike fit. Someone trained well and who understands how to modify bike fit for physical problems. Stay with the PT.

[nlsteve]

Shooter:

If you get the upright bike to work for you and you're happy, great.

But Bogiesan is right, there is a tremendous variety to the recumbent bike world, and I'm betting one of them would be terrific for you.  I suggest starting to hang out at http://www.bentrideronline.com, and checking out the online selection at bigger retailers such as http://www.hostelshoppe.com and  http://www.angletechcycles.com.

The proper recumbent need not slow you down, and may possibly speed you up once your muscles are acclimated to their slightly different employment on a recumbent.

 A lot of go-fast riders look to designs such as the Bacchetta Corsa and Carbon Aero, or the Rans X-Stream.   There are a lot of "high racers" built similarly to the Corsa.  The amount of layback may be a concern to you and your neck -- I don't know. This varies among different models, and some cyclists use headrests.

Recumbents are generally more expensive at a given quality level, but if you figure out what you need, you can watch for one on the used bike market. 

I am using both a recumbent and an upright bike, and I love 'em each for different reasons. 

Good luck!

Steve

[johnsondasw]

The bike fit I got solved the sore neck problem, but my problem was not as bad as yours.  They set me up with a stem with a higher angle.  I'm 63 and all my previous aching body complaints have been mitigated, albeit not totally gone.  There's a chance my next step is recumbent.

[ray b]

Here in St. Louis, we actually have a physcial therapist who also does bike fits....

That said, any good DPT (doctorate of physical therapy) should be able to give you advice on set up. Easy enough to take video riding your current setup on a trainer or something similar.

Ask your neurosurgeon's office who they recommend.

[rayed]

Try a bike fit specialist for adjustments tailored to your condition. Opt for a bike frame with relaxed geometry, a taller headset, and an adjustable stem to alleviate strain on your neck.

Great advice!

[froze]

You can also get a stem riser as well; a good bike fitter should be able to do that without having you buy something more expensive.

If the jarring of the handlebar bothers your neck, KINEKT makes a stem that you might not need a stem riser after installation, they have a Suspension Stem that also has a Rise Adjustment to it, it's called KINEKT Suspension Stem - Rise Adjustable!  It's sort of expensive but could be a neck saver, but it could kill two birds with one stone, removing some of the jarring while raising your head up so your neck doesn't have to tilt up all the time just to see.

[Westinghouse]

Heat compress, cold compress, gentle stretching.