I think everyone will agree, when we are happy, we not only perform better but we generally feel better. As human beings we regularly postpone our happiness until certain future goals are attained. The problem with doing that is obvious. What if the goal is attained and it does not bring you happiness or even worse, the goal is never achieved?
Our attitude is absolutely critical when it comes to achieving optimal health. When we are happy it tends to suppress the release of stress hormones. Because of this fact alone it keeps our immunity fully charged up. When we are happy we tend to be more active, take deeper breaths and spend more time out in fresh air.
Some of you that are reading this may be rolling your eyes, thinking that if I had your life, I might not be so happy. I appreciate that thought, however, there are people that have lives that would make our worst days look like a comedy, yet they are happy. It has been said that we tend to be about as happy as we decide to be. Yes, it is an individual thing.
Is There a Secret to Happiness?
The happiest people have an uncanny ability to focus on what is good in their life, not on the bad. They focus on what they can do, not on what they can’t do. They focus on what is good and true. Remember, it’s a choice. Your choice!
Happiness truly does happen in the six inches between our ears, also known as our Headspace. So begin to elevate your thinking. It has been said that we do not create our own thoughts. I tend to agree. If you disagree with me. Stop reading this for a moment and try to stop thinking. So if we don’t create our own thoughts what can we do. Here comes the Secret. As thoughts come to us we can either accept them or we can dismiss them. That is very powerful. The key is to only accept and choose empowering thoughts. Let the other thoughts go right on by.
It’s true, our Headspace can make our daily experience one of joy or of despair. Choose Joy!
The beauty of cycling, is that it is a very low impact form of exercise that results in fewer injuries than higher impact activities such as running. However, the number of repetitions that cyclists perform (roughly 6000 revolutions per hour) is much greater than any other sport. Chronic injuries can occur from riding too long, too fast or too often. I always advise my patients to have a professional evaluate how their bike fits their body. An improper fit of the handlebars, saddle, frame or pedals can cause a predisposition to musculoskeletal problems aka pain and injuries.
Common Injuries Encountered By Cyclists
Neck & Mid Back Injuries
Causes – This problem is typically due to over exertion of the muscles that extend the neck and raise the shoulders. The cause of this is usually the rams-horn style of handlebars that cause the rider to hold the head and neck in a hyperextended position for prolonged periods of time. Some individuals have problems with this due to the loss of the normal forward curve (lordosis) in their neck. This type of structural problem is best addressed with chiropractic care.
Symptoms – Spasm, tenderness and soreness of the muscles of the neck and upper back. Pain is usually felt with extension and rotation of the neck.
Treatment – Initially stretching and strengthening the muscles of the neck and upper back is advisable. If the problem persists, it maybe due to structural problems in your neck. If the neck and upper back pain persists for more than a week you need to be evaluated.
Lower Back & Injuries
Causes – Lower back strain and pain can occur when an unconditioned rider rides too long with the back flexed forward. Other causes are obesity, weak trunk muscles or biomechanical dysfunction in the form of lumbar and sacroiliac subluxations .
Symptoms – Decreased mobility of the trunk and spasms of the lower back. Pain is usually felt with flexion and rotation of the trunk muscles. In many instances, lower back pain will be felt more on one side due to asymmetrical loading of the sacroiliac joints. If not corrected the individual may begin experiencing Sciatica.
Treatment – Strengthening and stretching of the torso, lower back and hip musculature will help remedy many of the lower back symptoms many riders experience due to muscular weakness. If the injury has caused pain due to misalignments in the lower back or sacroiliac area strength training will only irritate the condition. If this is the case, chiropractic evaluation is indicated.
Trochanteric Bursitis
Causes – Trochanteric bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa on the side of the hip, typically caused by the gluteus medius or iliotibial band rubbing over the bursa and causing irritation. The injury is most common in cyclists with a saddle adjusted too high, unequal leg lengths (possible sacroiliac subluxation) or weak hip muscles.
Symtoms – There is a gradual onset of pain. Typically, the pain is on the side of the hip and will gradually migrate down the side of the leg. If not properly treated, sleeping on the affected side and climbing stairs will begin to cause pain.
Treatment – Resting and icing the area is always beneficial. Trochanteric busitis is usuallly a symptom of riding with a saddle that is too high. Consider lowering the saddle to limit hip extension with each stroke. Once the pain begins to subside begin stretching the gluteus medius and the IT band.
As I mentioned in the beginning of this post it is very important to have a professional help you to set up your bike. Ergonomics are not just for the office. A properly set up bike will not only increase your bike riding enjoyment but it will also minimize your chances of overuse injuries. Below is a video of a professional setting up a riders bicycle.
I hope this post has been helpful. If you live in the Cincinnati area and are still experiencing pain while riding, even though your bike has been professionally fitted to your body give me a call and schedule an exam.
Most patients describe it as knife-like pain. Why does this occur? A little anatomy will help you to understand this. Each rib actually attaches to the spine in two different locations. At each site of attachment, a joint is formed allowing movement. Yes, the ribs move. If it weren’t for this movement, we could not take a breath or bend in this area. Because of these joints, certain movements can create problems. Typically, “extreme” twisting of the upper body will cause these joints to become misaligned or subluxated. When this happens the ligaments that surround the joints (joint capsule) become stretched and on occasion pulled inside the joint allowing the capsule to be pinched. This is what causes that horrible knife-like pain. Treating this requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy in this area and the skill to adjust the rib head(s) back into their proper location.
Rib head pain, if not treated properly will become chronic. If you are experiencing this type of pain and you live in the Cincinnati area, give me a call and schedule an exam. Allowing this condition to become chronic is a mistake that all regret.
I think everyone will agree, when we are happy, we not only perform better but we generally feel better. As human beings we regularly postpone our happiness until certain future goals are attained. The problem with doing that is obvious. What if the goal is attained and it does not bring you happiness or even worse, the goal is never achieved?
The beauty of cycling, is that it is a very low impact form of exercise that results in fewer injuries than higher impact activities such as running. However, the number of repetitions that cyclists perform (roughly 6000 revolutions per hour) is much greater than any other sport. Chronic injuries can occur from riding too long, too fast or too often. I always advise my patients to have a professional evaluate how their bike fits their body. An improper fit of the handlebars, saddle, frame or pedals can cause a predisposition to musculoskeletal problems aka pain and injuries.
This is a very sharp pain
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