11 spine and muscle health risks of riding two-wheelers for long

11 spine and muscle health risks of riding two-wheelers for long

Moneycontrol News | September 25, 2024

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Long periods of riding a two-wheeler can lead to spine discomfort. The continuous vibrations and the strain on the back can cause chronic back pain, tailbone discomfort, and even permanent damage 

Causes of spine discomfort

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Riders face constant vibrations from  the road surface, especially when traveling on uneven or bumpy terrain. These vibrations, when transmitted through the body, affect the spine directly

Vibrations from the road

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This can worsen pre-existing  conditions like slipped discs or other spinal issues. This is a particular risk  when two-wheeler suspensions fail to absorb the shocks adequately

Can worsen pre-existing conditions

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Long rides require adjustments in  position to maintain balance and  comfort, and this constant shifting can wear out the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine

Damage to muscles and ligaments

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Over time, improper posture while riding can also lead to posture-related injuries that are harder to correct

Dangers of improper posture

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Women riders often face unique challenges. Those whose feet don’t fully reach the ground tend to adjust their sitting position in awkward ways

Women riders, beware

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This shift in posture leads to an imbalance in weight distribution and causes strain on the lower back and spine. Women who ride frequently are more prone to developing lower back pain due to these factors

Imbalance in weight distribution

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Every bump in the road is felt, which places a significant load on the lumbar region. Over time, this stress can contribute to disc degeneration and  other lumbar spine issues

Reasons of disc degeneration

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Staying in the same position for long periods while riding leads to muscle fatigue and reduces blood flow to the muscles and spinal tissues. Static postures can cause muscle stiffness, fatigue, and tissue injury

Muscle fatigue and reduced blood flow

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Riders often suffer from neck pain due to the positioning of the handlebars and the need to constantly bend the neck forward. This strain can affect the cervical spine

Causes of neck pain

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The weight of the helmet can further stress the neck muscles, leading to issues like cervical spondylosis, which is a common condition among frequent riders

Factor in the weight of the helmet

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