Short answer
Most cycling pain comes from long hours in one position plus a jump in riding volume. Neck and lower back pain often relate to reach and handlebar position, and knee pain often relates to saddle height, cleat position or more climbing. Small bike set-up changes, gradual volume increases and strength work off the bike usually fix it.
Common causes
Neck pain
Long reach, low bars and looking up for hours.
Lower back pain
Long, low positions and weak or stiff hips.
Knee pain
Front of the knee: saddle often too low. Back of the knee: saddle often too high. Inside or outside: cleat position.
What usually helps right now
- Increase riding volume gradually before a big event.
- Change hand positions and stretch on longer rides.
- Add strength work off the bike two days a week.
- Get a professional bike fit if pain persists.
What to avoid
- Changing saddle height by large amounts at once.
- Adding big hill rides close to an event.
When to book an assessment
- Pain lasts beyond a ride or two.
- You have numbness in the hands or feet.
Get urgent medical care if
- Numbness or weakness that persists off the bike.
- Head or neck injury after a crash: seek medical care.
How we treat it
- AssessHistory, movement and clinical tests, with screening for anything that needs a doctor.
- ExplainA clear diagnosis in plain language, and what recovery usually looks like.
- TreatHands-on care where it helps: joint and soft tissue work, dry needling or adjustments.
- RebuildExercises and a training plan so it holds up, with an end point.
Questions
Is my bike fit causing my knee pain?
Often partly. Saddle height and cleat position are the usual suspects.
Should I see a bike fitter or a chiropractor?
Often both. Treatment and strength work fix the body side, a fitter fixes the bike side.