Look Ma, No Hands! Numbness & Tingling When Cycling and How Chiropractic Can Help In Rock Hill SC

No other sport like cycling allows you to see so much and challenge your physical limits. However, for many cyclists, the experience can be ruined by the frustrating and sometimes painful sensation of numbness and tingling in the hands. This common issue, often referred to as "handlebar palsy" or “cyclist’s palsy”, can make even the most scenic rides miserable. Fortunately, chiropractic care in Rock Hill SC offers effective solutions for treating and managing these symptoms, allowing cyclists to ride comfortably and confidently.

Understanding the Causes of Numbness and Tingling in the Hands

Numbness and tingling in the hands while cycling typically result from prolonged pressure on the nerves that run through the wrists and into the hands. The ulnar nerve, which travels down the arm and through the wrist to the ring and pinky fingers, is particularly vulnerable. The median nerve, which affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers, can also be impacted.

These symptoms often arise from a combination of factors, including:

• Prolonged Pressure: Constant pressure on the handlebars can compress the nerves, particularly if the grip is too tight or the handlebars are not positioned correctly.
• Poor Bike Fit: An improper bike fit can cause you to lean too far forward, placing excessive pressure on the hands and wrists. Handlebars that are too narrow and aggressive for the rider can also cause the cyclist to hyperextend their wrists, putting even more pressure on the nerves.
• Repetitive Motion: The repetitive motion of gripping the handlebars, extra pressure put through the wrist when standing up out of the saddle, and shifting gears can lead to overuse injuries in the muscles and tendons of the hands and wrists.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help In Rock Hill SC

Chiropractic care focuses on the health of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, making it an ideal approach for addressing the root causes of numbness and tingling in the hands. Through a combination of manual therapies, corrective exercises, and ergonomic advice, chiropractors can help alleviate these symptoms and prevent them from recurring.

1. Addressing Nerve Compression
One of the primary goals of chiropractic care in treating numbness and tingling is to relieve nerve compression. Chiropractors use specific manual techniques to reduce tension in the muscles and connective tissues around the wrists, forearms, and shoulders. Chiropractors can also mobilize the affected nerve to help reduce inflammation surrounding the nerve, which is effective for reducing symptoms. By doing so, they can alleviate pressure on the ulnar and median nerves, allowing for improved nerve function and reducing the likelihood of numbness and tingling.

2. Changing Position
Alleviating pressure in the hands can be accomplished by two things; changing hand position on the handlebars and utilizing cushioned gloves. The picture below from Heidi-Lynn Ploeg shows how changing position and glove type can change the pressure put on the hand. Wearing foam gloves on the tops or hoods puts the least pressure on the nerves of the hand and can help you to ride more comfortably for longer. Visit a professional bike store who specializes and is certified in bike fitting to ensure that you’re getting the right direction when getting your bike fit.