|
13 Oct 2000
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota USA
Posts: 2
|
|
Neck and upper back pain while riding
Folks: Does anyone have experience or solutions for upper back and lower neck stiffness and ache. After about 80 to 100 miles I have to stop and find a grassy place to lie down. Asprin/ibruprofhen etc. does not work. I ride a BMW R 80RT w/ stock seat etc. (I can't believe you long distance runners are stopping like this all the time.) This process makes a 600 mile journey much longer. Regards. Galen Wolfe
|
13 Oct 2000
|
|
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
|
|
Hi Galen,
I'm no doctor, and I'm sure one iwll come up with all kinds of medical answers, but me experience has been that it's one or a combination of three things;
1. Riding position - adjust handlebars up or down slightly, or change bars to a different height or angle. Move back and forth on the seat.
2. Tension - This is a big one, and I find that a concerted effort to relax completely, even doing stretching and relaxation exercises BEFORE a ride, can help a huge amount. If I get bit by this it's usually tension, even though I think I'm relaxed, and most of me is, but the lower neck seems to be the area that tightens up very easily and quickly. I tighten that area as hard as I can for 30 seconds, then release. That helps to relax it. Do it at the first sign, don't wait.
3. Out of shape for riding - just ride more, using the above hints, and you'll find it doesn't get you as quickly or even not at all after a while.
What better excuse to go for a ride?
------------------
Grant Johnson
Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
|
16 Dec 2000
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: San Francisco, USA
Posts: 222
|
|
Are you dressed warmly enough? I find that the cool wind makes my neck and upper torso tense up, and I tend to just try to ignore it.
When I overdress and am very warm, I get much less fatigued.
Cheers,
Wright
|
10 Apr 2001
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: taunton,uk
Posts: 5
|
|
This is an occupational hazard for couriers as well as distance boys. Dont carry anything on your back; dress up warm ,as being cold makes you tense up and increases the problem. Move around , streach , stand up as much as is possible. Set up your bike in as upright a riding posiition as possible. If you are doing distance (or courier stuff) give it a couple of days off the bike as soon as possible. hopefully all of these approaches together will reduce the problem, failing that see a back specialist. And if your new to bikes, relax and keep at it , as you get more comfortable and at ease on the bike you will relax, and so will your back. hope this is some help.olly.
|
10 Apr 2001
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: aarhus, denmark
Posts: 23
|
|
Galen,
something that worked for me was adjusting the angle of the clutch and front brake levers. I found i was getting pains in my neck and shoulders and after messing with the lever adjustments it all went away, guess it was sort of like a repetitive strain injury setting in.
When i had my R100GS P/D i could lean back against the back rack luggage and put my feet up on the crash bars around the engine heads (comfy) after that i would lean full forward on the tank with left arm draped along the handlebars. I have bad problems with lower back pain from years of running and surfing and these little things helped me. Also never under-estimate the benefits of stayimg warm aroound the lower back- dingofish
|
15 Apr 2001
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 14
|
|
Hi Galen,
I'd have to agree with Grant on this one. Handle bar position can be a biggee here (I went for Genmar risers on my GTR), Tension another biggee, you have to consciously relax...especially if you suffer 'white knuckle grip' on the handle bars...these two things alone have helped me cover consecutive 1300-1500km days.
Personal fitness is also of course a main issue here, so get plenty of ride time up. I also drink plenty of Tonic Water when I can get it...the quinine helps relieve muscle cramp
------------------
Stay Upright,
Andy D.
__________________
Stay Upright,
Andy D.
|
9 May 2001
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 1
|
|
Hi Galen,
I agree with the others recording to handle bar positioning, relaxing and stretching. I ride througout the year no matter what the weather forecast is telling me. Therefore I strongly recommend regular exercise to warm you up. Furthermore check your position on the bike and your screen ( if fitted ). A different screen could reduce the pressure on your head an shoulder area. Also give a check to your garment. It should fit properly but give you a certain freedom of movement. A painkiller as you mentioned is ok for short time use if you are on the road but definitly not as a permanent solution. The damage done to your body ( i.e. liver and kidneys ) should not be forgotten.
If nothing helps, make a break BEFORE the pain start i.e. every 60 miles.
See you on the Road
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|