Dear Link…
I love riding my bike, but lately I’ve been experiencing pelvic pain during and after my rides. What could be causing this? Do I have to give up cycling?
Dear Reader,
When doing something you love causes pain, it can be demoralizing, but there are ways to work through this and continue biking. Pelvic pain with biking can have several causes, and understanding what’s contributing to your symptoms is the first step toward finding relief.
One possibility is pressure from the bike seat. Sitting on a bicycle saddle for extended periods can compress the sensitive tissues, nerves, and blood vessels in the pelvic region. Your bike fit, saddle shape, riding position, and time spent in the saddle can all influence how much pressure these structures experience.
Another potential culprit is your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles help support your pelvic organs and play a role in bladder, bowel, and sexual function. If they become overly tight, irritated, or have difficulty relaxing, the sustained position and repetitive movement of cycling may aggravate them. Weakness, muscle coordination problems, or irritation of nearby nerves can also contribute to pain.
Sometimes, the source of discomfort is related to the hips, lower back, or surrounding muscles rather than the pelvic floor itself. This can be especially true for road cyclists who spend long periods hunched forward over the handlebars, as this position can place added strain on the surrounding muscles and contribute to pain.
So, what can you do? Start by taking breaks during longer rides and checking that your bike is properly fitted. Adjusting your saddle or riding position may help reduce pressure, so consider seeing a local bike fitting expert to help check your gear and position. If the pain persists, consider seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist who can assess your pelvic floor, hips, and back to help identify the cause and develop a treatment plan.
Most importantly, don't assume you have to live with the pain or give up an activity you love. If pelvic pain continues during or after cycling, an evaluation can help you understand what's happening and how to get back to riding more comfortably.