Bicycle Seat Neuropathy
Bicycle seat neuropathy is a condition caused by uncomfortable or poorly adjusted bike saddles. It is usually temporary and solvable by making some changes to your bike's configuration.
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Symptoms
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Bicycle seat neuropathy is characterized by numbness or pain in the groin or perineal area.
Causes
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The medical director of the Coastal Sports and Wellness Medical Center, Dr. John M. Martinez, states that bicycle seat neuropathy is the result of compression on the pudendal nerve, located between an individual's testicles or vagina and rectum.
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Solutions
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Because pudendal nerve compression is related to your position on the seat and the width of the seat, you can adjust or replace your seat to address the problem. Use a carpenter's level to adjust the seat angle to be completely horizontal. When you pedal, your legs should be only slightly bent at their fullest extension, so adjust your seat up or down as needed. Alternatively, purchase a wider seat, which supports your "sit bones" and reduces pressure on your perineum.
Expert Insight
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The late bicycle mechanic and writer Sheldon Brown stated that riders who are picking up cycling for the first time, or after a season or more off the bike, sit more heavily on the seat than regular riders. As your legs strengthen, you use your leg muscles rather than the seat to hold you up.
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