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Common Overuse Injuries - Pt 1
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14 June 2010
When it comes to overuse injuries the best intervention is EARLY
INTERVENTION or if you can: prevention! Please consult one of our
physiotherapists should you be experiencing any of the above
complaints. You can find us at
www.centreforsportsmedicine.co.za
The following article is the first in a two part series which
highlights the most common chronic or overuse injuries associated
with mountain biking. It provides a brief overview of the
prevention and management of these injuries.
Recent research lists the most common anatomical sites for
overuse injuries associated with cycling as; neck (48.8%), knee
(41.7 %), buttock (36.1%), hands (31.1%) and lower back
(30.3%).
When managing chronic injuries it is always vital to precisely
identify the anatomical structure at fault and also to identify any
risk factors that predispose one to the injury. Risk factors will
be intrinsic (cyclist- any postural problems, muscle imbalances
etc.) and extrinsic (bicycle set up/ bicycle frame and environment
factors). Treatment is therefore always two fold; reducing the
symptoms (physiotherapy, medication etc.) and addressing the
underlying causes for the injury (bike set up, correcting the
cyclists muscle imbalances, correct training errors etc).
NECK PAIN
Neck pain is usually caused by muscle spasm as a result of the
sustained hyperextended position of the neck during cycling. The
constant jarring associated with off road cycling also can cause
microtrauma to the joints and ligaments of the cervical spine,
resulting in increased muscle spasm and pain.
Predisposing factors:
- Weak upper back and shoulder muscles
- "Dropped" handlebars
- Raised saddle
- "Heavy" helmet
- Sustained poor posture
Management:
- Treatment of muscle spasm through localised physiotherapy
treatment (soft tissue and cervical joint mobilisation)
- Addressing the bicycle set up
- Strengthening the upper back and shoulder muscles
- Correcting the cyclist's posture and strengthening the
stabilisers at the neck
Should one experience radiating pain down the upper limb or
severe headaches, please consult your physiotherapist.
LOWER BACK PAIN
Lower back pain is a common complaint due to the sustained
flexed (bent) position of the spine whilst cycling. The added
jarring of off road cycling is another causative factor. Back pain
can be related to disc compression or traction on the spinal joints
which can cause ligament or muscle strain. It is vital that one's
lower back pain is evaluated by a medical professional to identify
the anatomical cause of pain, as treatments may vary. Clinical
investigations such as an X-ray may also be required. Should you be
experiencing pins and needles or weakness in the lower limbs please
consult your physiotherapist as soon as possible.
Prevention:
- Bicycle set up (adjusting saddle height, saddle position and
angle as well as handlebar positioning)
- Strengthen your back and abdominal stabilisers (core
muscles)
- Improve flexibility at the spine and limbs
When it comes to overuse injuries the best intervention is EARLY
INTERVENTION or if you can: prevention! Please consult one of our
physiotherapists should you be experiencing any of the above
complaints. You can find us at
www.centreforsportsmedicine.co.za
www.centreforsportsmedicine.co.za
Tarryn Graham BSc Physiotherapy (Stell)
Physiotherapist
Centre for Sports Medicine, Umhlanga
031 5605557 or info@centreforsportsmedicine.co.za
