A Pain in the Neck
dd April 12th, 2007
WARNING: THIS IS A PERSONAL “BITCHING” SESSION
Literally and figuratively, I’ve had and probably been a pain in the neck for the last month. It started innocently enough - or so I thought at the time. About a month ago, I decided I wanted a road bike to replace the more “clunkerish” hybrid I had been riding. Biking has become my favorite and only (at the moment) form of aerobic exercise these days. So, I went to my LBS and told them I wanted a road bike with relaxed geometry suited for someone a little older than their typical 20 or 30 something rider. I tried a Specialized Roubaix and a Trek Pilot, similar road bikes intended to be more comfortable and upright than the standard race bikes. I ended up getting the Pilot since it was on ‘06 model on sale and had much better components.
I took it out for a ride the next day and after 20 minutes, my neck and shoulders were really sore. Then, the headaches started and what I call “mental fog”. Of course, I took the bike back to the shop - they have a 30 day full refund or exchange policy. I said, “I need a different bike”. They asked why and I explained my sad story. I actually like the guys at the LBS a lot and they said that the bike needed a more thorough fitting and customization to fit my needs. They raised the handlebars, adjusted the seat etc. I took it home again and I must say subsequent rides felt much better. And, I do like the bike. But, I guess I had so messed up my neck and shoulders that it’s taken quite a while to get back to normal. Meanwhile, I’ve paid visits to my chiropractor, massage therapist and my holistic internist for acupuncture. Today, the doc applied what she called the “meat tenderizer” acupuncture tool (it really looks like a miniature meat tenderizer, but the Chinese have a different name for it - plum something). Then, she applied the red (hot oil) Tiger balm and went to work with the needles. Guess she pulled out the big guns today.
I think the whole problem has been exacerbated by worry over my 92 year old mom who ended up back in the hospital recently with compression fractures of her spine and stenosis - the result of really bad osteoporosis. She is now at the convalescence center again. Poor woman - she just got out of that place a few weeks ago. And, there is the awful tree pollen and other allergens bursting all around here - I’m allergic to everything. And, throw in income taxes, work and my volunteer stuff on top of that and well, guess it’s no wonder I have a pain in the neck.
So, if you’ve been wondering why you’ve seen fewer posts and fewer comments from me - that’s the partial explanation.
There - got that off my chest. Thanks to all you wonderful “therapists” out there for listening.
Isn’t it great to have your own group of therapists? Sometimes just talking about what ails us makes up feel better. Hope this is true for you -
Pauline, it is great! Thanks for “listening”.
So that’s it! I was wondering… Seriously, I am sorry you’ve been suffering. You haven’t really whined about this. Instead you’ve just become a little more quiet and serious. I hope the weight lifts off your neck and shoulders soon because a feeling of “lightness” would probably do you a world of good.
No pain in the neck bitching….! Just missed seeing you around the blogosphere…… but, hmmm, you might not want to stop by and read my Friday the 13th post on death (seriously, I did not INTEND to write about death on the 13th)….but, when the universe calls - who am I to say No???
Plus, I am thrilled that your re-adjusted Trek is working out……I bought a Trek off of ebay and love it !!!
i have been on a $55 bike from Walmart for 2 and 1/2 years. I have worn out two sets of tires. i do about 60+ miles a week. Last year, I had a shoulder problem, caused by the bike i’m sure and after some readjustment of seat and handlebars and a little self inflicted Chiropracy, I am fine now. As time goes by, I find that I have to tune the posture of the bike from time to time. i still have not been able to turn this into a full fledged hobby.
i’m pullin’ for you David, keep your gears lubed!
RDG - You can’t deny those universe calls, that’s for sure! I’ll let you know how the Trek works out.
Steve - 60+ miles/ week - that’s great!! But, self inflicted Chiropracy?? Be careful, buddy! Thanks for the encouragement.
My Chiropracy begins and ends with a few stretching exercises and then laying on the floor with two rolled up towels: one for the neck and one for the lower back- resting and relaxing myself my arms fingers and twinkled toes with legs in a supine position for about 10-20 minutes- long enough to get the backbone and posture back towards a more correct alighnment. It has worked well for me for many years.
Biking is always had on my neck because you have to bend over and look up at the road! I need some adjustments too..of both the bike and my spine! My husband does acupuncture..I’ll have to ask him about the meat tenderizer!
Ruth - I bet your husband is a great spine doc. Curious if he knows about the tenderizer tool. I tried to google it but came up empty.
He’s seen it but doesn’t have one…and he agrees that it does look like a meat tenderizer! He couldn’t recall the name..he took a course in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
I think he’s a really good chiropractor and I’ve heard many tell me this. He is gentle and takes a lot of time with each patient…explaining and listening…and he uses hot packs (Hydroculator) on everyone to relax and loosen them up. This takes extra time and makes for many loads of laundry a day!
[…] had this headache for a few weeks now. First, it was triggered by a new bike not configured properly which threw my […]
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