Bicycle Seat & Nerve Damage

Bike seat nerve damage can be uncomfortable.

Bike seat nerve damage can be uncomfortable for any rider, regardless of the rider's experience or the type of bike that is ridden. Fortunately, some basic steps, such as seat selection and bike-fit sessions, can help avoid nerve damage. If bike seat nerve damage is suspected, it may be necessary to seek medical attention.

Definition

Any rider may experience bike seat nerve damage.

Bike seat nerve damage may occur when a bicyclist uses a narrow seat versus a wider seat. Sometimes referred to as bicycle seat neuropathy, bike seat nerve damage may be experienced by any cyclist, regardless of level of expertise. The damage is thought to involve either a vascular or neurologic injury. Any bicyclist, regardless of experience, style of bike, age, weight, fitness level or gender can be affected.

Time Frame

Bike seat nerve damage can occur in short or long bike rides.

Longer distance cycling tends to be more frequently associated with the occurrence of bike seat nerve damage; however, it is possible for it to occur during shorter rides. The condition may also develop following the use of stationary or bicycle trainers.

Symptoms

Males may experience penile or perineal numbness. Females may experience perineal numbness. The intensity, duration and degree or level of discomfort from bike seat nerve damage varies. The discomfort may be as mild as a slight discomfort or so painful that it causes the cyclist to stop the bike and dismount. For males, symptoms may also include impotence or urinary incontinence. It has been noted that longer rides may increase the likelihood of men developing erectile dysfunction.

Factors

Numerous factors, including the rider's position on the bicycle, can influence bike seat nerve damage. Bike seat design and seat placement are also significant factors. When sitting on a bike, the bike seat's pressure is usually in the direction of the prostate. There are also nerves alongside the prostate that lead to the penis. If the prostate experiences excessive or abnormal pressure, the discomfort may also involve the penis. Bicycle seats that have a wider profile have been shown to decrease pressure on the perineum and may improve penile circulation.

Handlebar position can also contribute to bike seat nerve damage. When a rider's hands are placed in the drops position, the rider's weight shifts. The drops position is when the rider places their hands on the lower portion of the drop style handlebar, below the area of the brake levers. This can result in the shifting of the rider's weight from the posterior to anterior pelvic structures, potentially leaving the rider at risk for developing bike seat nerve damage.

Prevention/Solution

A variety of bicycle seat designs are available

When exploring bike seat options, consider talking with a bicycle store employee or a cycling expert, or explore articles available on the Internet. A variety of seats are available, and many manufacturers produce bike seats with a focus on human anatomy, physics and the avoidance of nerve damage.

Many bicycle stores offer custom bicycle fits. A bike fit is a service in which you and your bike are aligned for correct positioning, performance and comfort on the bike. A bike fit has numerous benefits, including determining your optimal position on the bike and potentially avoiding injuries and complications from poor body mechanics. If you had a custom fit performed when you first bought the bike and are developing perineal or penile numbness, it may be time for a follow-up bike fit. If you recently changed your bike seat and you develop symptoms, your bike fit or seat placement may need to be adjusted.

Considerations

Perineal and penile numbness can be self-resolving. However, because each cyclist is different, and because numerous factors have to be considered, it is not always possible to determine how much time is needed for complete resolution. If you develop symptoms that you suspect may involve bike seat nerve damage, consider seeing a urologist for a thorough exam and definitive diagnosis.

References

• Urology - Possible Penis Nerve Damage
• Safe and Healthy Bike Seats For Men and Women
• 2010 RideOut Technologies Bike Saddles from Interbike

Resources

• Bicycling Magazine