You're training hard.

Don’t let all of that effort go to waste with a pesky overuse injury that forces you off the bike. Between now and race day, doctors from Animas Surgical Hospital will be sharing tips to keep athletes healthy and fit for Iron Horse. They’ll round up some of the most common issues faced by cyclists and how to treat and prevent them.

Neck Pain

Don’t let biking be a pain in the neck! Neck pain from cycling is one of the most common overuse injuries among cyclists. When cycling, your neck is typically in an extended position, doing its best to hold up your head. Not only are your muscles getting a workout, but this weight can also compress the facet joints in your vertebrae. Dr. McLaughlin from Animas Spine talks about ways to avoid neck pain so you can continue to ride strong for years to come.

Road Rash

Cycling is usually considered a non-contact sport … but occasionally our skin will meet the pavement. And when that happens, the results usually aren’t pretty. Dr. Darcy Rumberger-Denegre from the Animas Surgical Hospital Emergency Department gives us a crash course on road rash. She shares treatment tips that can get you back in the saddle and on the road to recovery.

Low Back Pain

Lower back pain is common among many people, and unfortunately cyclists don’t get a pass! The hunched over position on a road bike can take its toll on the back. In fact, studies show that low back pain is reported by more than 50% of cyclists. In this video, Dr. Robert Wallach from La Plata Physical Medicine outlines some of the common sources of lower back pain. (Hint: not all of them actually involve the back!) Try these strategies to feel better and ride longer.

Knee Pain

Most cyclists experience some knee pain over the course of their riding career. It can range from the occasional twinge to chronic pain that’s enough to derail your training plans. Dr. Hammond from Animas Orthopedic Associates says that knee pain can be linked to several factors, but there are a few common culprits to watch out for: improper saddle height, crank length, and foot placement.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If you’ve ever experienced numbness or pain in the hands or wrist while on the bike, carpal tunnel syndrome could be the culprit. The carpal tunnel, found in the palm, contains the median nerve, which goes from the ring finger to the thumb. Resting too much weight on this area while cycling can lead to pain and/or numbness or tingling in the fingers. In this video, Dr. Butzen from Animas Orthopedic Associates talks about carpal tunnel syndrome prevention and treatment.

About Animas Surgical Hospital:

Animas Surgical Hospital is Durango’s only purpose-built, short-stay surgical hospital. As the first physician-owned hospital in Colorado, Animas Surgical Hospital has been a pioneer in increasing quality and access to health care in our region. Eighteen years after our grand opening, we’re still owned and operated by physicians who live and work in Durango. They’re our friends and neighbors, and they’re committed to keeping our community healthy and able to enjoy the active lifestyle that Durango provides.

Services offered include a 24/7 emergency room, urgent care, internal medicine clinic, occupational medicine, inpatient surgical services, outpatient surgeries, diagnostic imaging, and more!