What is bicycle seat neuropathy?
A common, but underreported injury Cycling bicycle seat neuropathy. Both male and female cyclists to symptoms that can include temporary numbness or pain in the groin and perineal area experiences (between the testicles or vagina and rectum) and even erectile or sexual dysfunction. Fortunately, most of these cases for a short time, but there are reports of long-term sexual dysfunction.
The compression of thePudendal nerve between the bicycle seat and the pelvic bones is believed that the main cause of the symptoms. The compression results from the cyclists for the narrow body of his or her seat on a bicycle.
An important factor in the development of bicycle seat neuropathy appears to be on the design of the bicycle seat is possible. Several studies of various bike seat shapes demonstrated that reported greater decline in child cycling cause pressure on the dam area and a decrease in symptomsof cyclists.
One study found the bicycle seat neuropathy surveyed cyclists on a 500-mile bike ride that nearly half suffer (45%) of cyclists from a slight and temporary deafness, and 2% severe symptoms experienced enough to force them to stop temporarily for riding. Researchers of a second study of 260 cyclists on a bike 330 miles long, found that the male respondents, 22% symptoms of either pain or numbness in the pudendal area reported by threemale cyclists reporting symptoms that lasted longer than a month.
Bicycle seat neuropathy is damage to the opportunity and has been documented in female cyclists. One study found the female members of the Cycling Club Dallas that more than one third (34%) of female cyclists perineal numbness related to cycling experienced at least one occasion.
The main treatment and cure for bicycle seat neuropathy is the adjustment of the seat and the right bicycle bicycle position.These changes can relieve tilting the nose of the seat down or reduce the seat height of the pressure on the dam. Other recommendations include that the driver's style of riding, how often stopping or changing riding positions. Sometimes decreasing training volume can also help alleviate symptoms by bicycle seat neuropathy.
Recent bicycle seats with a split nose or a center section design can help limit compression on the perineal area, and improve orTo resolve symptoms. Studies of cyclists on these newer seats have shown up to 50% discount on perineal pressure and the resulting decline in reported symptoms.
Prevention of bicycle seat neuropathy usually requires a correct sitting position and adjustments by a trained professional. Changing positions frequently on the bicycle seat, as standing up to pressure on the perineum or change hand positions from the handlebar drops and hoods can relieve pelvic change position.
A return toCycling is the improvement of symptoms. The prognosis and recovery from bicycle seat neuropathy is very good. The symptoms usually resolve once the pressure relieved from the perineal area. However, the recovery rate is variable and can range from the amount of time the athlete was previously cycling are affected. Some case reports show that partially can solve more than a month.
Persistent symptoms of neuropathy and weakness will continue, despite the changesin the bicycle industry from the position and training volume and may indicate another cause of symptoms such as diabetes or cardiovascular problems and should warrant evaluation by a physician.
John M. Martinez, MD
Medical Director
Coastal Sports and Wellness Medical Center
San Diego, CA
