Mountain Biking and Lower Back

Lower back injuries are similar to neck pain, except the aggravating positive is prolonged flexion. Ongoing back pain can be caused by muscle fatigue, chronic tension to posterior vertebra ligaments and prolonged compression to intervertebral discs. Your pelvic position while riding is significant, sitting in a  tilted position increases lumbar flexion.. The long period of flexed trunk position produces aches in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine. Acupuncture can relieve the pain. (reference: Sean Fyfe/Sports Injury Bulletin)

Mountain Biking and Neck Pain.

One of the most common problems I see in my cycling patients is neck pain. This usually relates to a prolonged time spent in an extended position. The constant compression of any joint over a long period will lead to muscle fatigue and chronic muscle pain. A prolonged position will also result in cumulative tensile stress on joint capsules and ligaments. This can produce long term structural changes to joint arthrokinematics. Cervical extension with shoulders in a depressed position increases neural tension. Cervical extension with shoulders in a depressed position increases neural tension. This can result in ulnar or median neuropathy. The symptoms are pain, numbness or tingling. Acupuncture offers relief from the pain.

(reference: Sean Fyfe/Sports Injury Bulletin)