Neck stiffness and soreness

So after some longer rides (3 hours+) my neck begins to get stiff or sore to the point of nearly a burning sensation when moving at times. Obviously something that can't be avoided completely, but is there a way to decrease this likelihood?

My ideas so far are simply a lighter helmet (I have a full face scorpion currently), taking breaks and getting out of the helmet more often, and maybe a taller windscreen (currently have a double bubble). Am I missing something? Does everyone experience this? Do I just need to build more neck/shoulder muscles?

Thank you for your suggestions and information.

 

1. lighter helmet.
2. get a custom seat.
3. heli-bars.
4. get the suspension tuned to you by a professional.

All these should improve your posture.

 

Yeah this happens to me on long rides too, at the end of the day. The biggest culprit for me is having to reach my arms down just to the point that my shoulders start to roll forward - over time this puts stress on the next muscles. I do not have bar risers yet, but have every intention of getting them (can't afford heli bars). Obviously the above post is spot on advice, but I'm just throwing in my opinion that you might do the risers/heli bars first if you can't do everything he suggests immediately. Personally I think that would help you more than a lighter helmet, but I could be wrong.

 

In my previos post I forgot to put in there is no order to the list just numbers. sorry for the confusion.
I also am attaching a linkfor a carbon helmet. this is a bit expensive but it is a lot lighter then conventional helmet. My future brother-in-law has one and I can feel the difference between my helmets and his.

Helmet:
http://www.kaliprotectives.com/moto/naza-carbon

Heli-bars new:
https://www.helibars.com/product/honda-vfr800-replacement-handlebars-1

Heli-bars used:
Honda VFR 800 Heli Bars Handlebar 98 01 VFR800 Helibar Helibars Riser Clipon | eBay

The others you would be best off by looking for a local person to do it, because its does take some trial-and-error to get it perfect.

 

I can relate for sure. I have been so bad that when I pulled over, I was in excruciating pain trying to pull my helmet off. Almost to the point I was going to call the wife to come and get me.

All previously posted advise here is good. I ended up buying a very expensive helmet that was considerable lighter than the day to day helmet most wear. A lot of people here will take ibuprofen (Advil) before a long ride to head this off. Maybe poor advise medically speaking but I do the same.

I would go see the doc. There may be underlying issues you may have in your neck that can be treated with specific exercises. Turns out, I have degenerative disc in my neck. But with regular physio treatments with electrical something or other, and some traction about once a month, I can stay on top of it. And I do take very long rides lasting several weeks.

 

HELI-BARS they retail for $279.00 but this gal when asked will sell them for $250 she said they have to list them for retail because of Heli-Bar the company

Honda VFR 800 Heli Bars Handlebar 98 01 VFR800 Helibar Helibars Riser Clipon | eBay

 

Hydrate. I know it sounds too simple but most people are dehydrated. I'm not suggesting you drink water while riding- I'm suggesting you don't drink enough when you aren't.

Water will make your muscles and connective tissue much more supple.

If you drink coffee, soda, or avoid veggies then you are probably very acidic as well. Correct those too.

Here's a trick: in the shower put a hand towel over your neck/shoulder. When the hot water hits it- it will heat the area as opposed to bounce off and cause evaporative cooling.

Powdered magnesium in a glass of water taken at night really helps relax muscles. In fact too much and you'll get loose bowels.

Also- you might try massage therapy. It works extraordinarily well if you find a good practitioner.

 

I like most of this post but really like this hint. Will definitely try this.

:scared::jaw::nono: Interesting but is it worth the risk? How much is too much?

 

A good product is A-B Calm. (A to B Calm). It contains calcium too.

The directions state to begin with a low dosage. 1/4 teaspoon or whatever. It works so well I've woken up with a joint pain because I slept so soundly in a terrible position!

One bit of advice- take it before brushing your teeth or it can create tooth sensitivity. It has a slight vinegar taste- and has a similar effect that way.

You can also play with Epsom salt soaks or soaking a towel in hot water with the salts added. It's mostly magnesium. Epsom salt soaks should be no more than 10 minutes though.

And- always confer with your doctor particularly if you have health issues or are on any prescription medication before taking supplements. If he/she doesn't know- get another qualified opinion.

 

Wow. These replies are all great material. I do wonder what the correct magnesium amount is. I do have heli bars currently and I bet it would be incredibly worse if I did not.

I wonder if lowering the pegs will help or hurt the situation? I was curious about doing it anyways, but not if it will make things worse.

Thank you for the health concern question/advise as well. I am a 27 year old seemingly healthy male at the time.

 

It means you're and pussy and can't handle it. Put the bike in the garage and leave it there..................................

 

I was 23 when I first injured my back. That was 35 years ago. Trust me, it is not something to take lightly. If you can find anything that is preventative to any dregee, that beat the shit out of recovery any day. You seldom fully recover from joint injuries or tendon ailments.

 

I know a sweet thing down on East Hastings in Vancouver who is very good at providing such assistance!

 

You might try raising your Heli-Bars on your fork tubes, I have removed the o-ring if you will from the forks and have slid them up to where they are flush with the tops of the fork tubes.

Something you might try!?!

 

What about trying to utilize your legs and core a little bit more, that might take some of the strain off your neck and shoulders. If you have a stable lower body by gripping the tank with your legs you can let your upper body relax. The best posture on a motorcycle is actually what we would consider poor posture, almost slumped over. You can't do this well if you aren't locked on and stable with your lower body because you tend to need to hold yourself up with your arms....just a thought

 

I use to own a harley springer softail with the laid back riding position. That had to be the worst riding position i have ever had on a bike. Everything use to hurt on that bike and whenever i hit a bump of any kind the force of the hit would travel straight up my spine. After getting my vfr i had some minor carpal tunnel symptoms and some numbness in my hands but some good pro grip grips solved that. I also started using a tank bra that gave my legs more grip on the tank. Like misti said by using more of your core muscles to grip the bike rather than just your arms you will notice a lot less strain on your upper body. Im not sure how long you have owned your bike but i think all bikes take a little while to get acclimated to. Kinda like a new recliner you just have to find your most comfortable position.

 

I am 48 and I used to have issues with sore neck/spine etc. after a long day in the saddle. About 2 years ago I started working out (Cardio and weight lifting) and most of that has all gone away. I honestly think exercise is key here (including shoulder exercises) especially as you get older. If I know it is going to be a long day I take an Aleve too. Honestly, I don't care who you are.....if you do more than a 3-400 mile day you are gonna be sore somewhere, lol