This is an excerpt from Andy Pruitt's Medical guide for cyclists. Because I used it, I'll give it a plug. It's available as an e-book from www.roadbikerider.com for a small fee.
� Shermer Neck DESCRIPTION Shermer neck is named after Michael Shermer, a Race Across America competitor who suffered from what can be termed neck failure. Things got so bad that his crew members constructed a makeshift brace from bungee cords to hold up his head as he rode. Shermer isn�t the only RAAM rider to suffer debilitating neck fatigue and pain, but he was the first and, now, most famous. SYMPTOMS Your neck feels tight and painful after you�ve been riding a while. It�s hard to turn your head to the side or look be- hind for traffic. In extreme cases, such as riding 350 miles day after day in the Race Across America, the neck muscles go into spasm. Like Shermer, riders can no longer hold up their head. CAUSES Improper bike fit, primarily excessive reach to the handlebar that makes you crane your neck to see ahead Insufficient strength in the neck muscles. Riding long distances without sufficient breaks. Riding in an aero position that requires you to hyperextend your neck to see down the road. 61 TREATMENT Raise your stem or install a shorter, high- rise stem. If you�re on aero bars, raise them so you can see ahead without strain. Change position frequently as you ride. Stand often so your neck is supported by your spine rather than your muscles. Frequently turn your head from side to side and up and down to stretch and relax your neck. Tilt your head slightly to the left or right of verti- cal, rather than lock into the dead center position. IF THESE REMEDIES DON�T WORK Strengthen your neck with exercises provided by a physical therapist or cycling coach. Gradually increase mileage so your neck be- comes conditioned to holding your head in the riding position for longer periods. Steve Reinisch ------ Club Office: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (613) 230-1064 Web/mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb Newsletter: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb/Newsletter ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [email protected] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiDo.a2i8p1 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
