No other part of the body is as flexible as the head. Its mobility is ensured by seven small cervical vertebrae and a network of delicate muscles that are arranged around it. When cycling, the neck muscles and the trapezius muscle running across the shoulders work isometrically: the muscles are not moved, but tensed with the same intensity over a long period of time. This reduces the blood supply to and from the working muscles.
The result: metabolic breakdown products such as lactate can only be removed poorly. The muscle over-acidifies, hardens and hurts. Sometimes the pain radiates into the head. Hardened neck muscles can even cause a swaying dizziness, which is noticeable when getting off the bike and disappears again when the neck relaxes. Regular strengthening and stretching exercises can help to reduce discomfort in the neck.
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