The League of American Bicyclists established National Bike Week in 1956 to highlight all the benefits of cycling.  This year, it falls on May 15th-19th, so the staff at Resurgens Spine Center thought this would be the perfect opportunity to give you some tips on how to protect your spine while riding your bike.

Pay Attention to Posture

The great thing about cycling is that it provides a low-impact way to get in some cardio, which saves your knees and ankles from the stresses of other exercises like jogging.  On the other hand, poor riding posture can be hard on the neck and back.

The first step to achieving good riding posture is to get a bike that fits your body.  This way, you won’t have to hunch forward or reach to hold the handlebars.  In addition, don’t forget to lift your head periodically as you ride to give the muscles of the neck and upper back a rest.

Change Position as You Ride

Staying in one position for long periods of time can be hard on the ligaments and tendons of your spine.  It’s a good idea to change your position as you ride (for example, by going from a sitting to a standing position) to give your back and neck a break.

Wear Proper Safety Gear

We all know what can happen in a bicycle accident, and it’s not pretty.  Wearing proper safety gear, like a helmet and chest protector, can go a long way towards minimizing damage to the neck and back should you be thrown from your bike.

See a Doctor for Neck or Back Pain

If you’re experiencing pain after cycling, it’s a good idea to get it checked out by a doctor.  Issues like muscle strain and inflammation can usually be treated with over-the-counter solutions, but only a doctor can determine if your pain is caused by something more serious.

We hope you’ll follow these tips as you celebrate National Bike Week.  Happy Cycling!