Fix Hand Numbness Cycling | Reduce Hand AND Finger Numbness Bike Fit
If you experience numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands while cycling, it’s more than a minor annoyance—it’s a sign that something is off in your bike setup or body mechanics. Most people will try to raise the bars to fix this problem, but that is almost always the wrong thing to do. Dr. Alex Ritza, a renowned chiropractor and bike fitter at Toronto Bike Fits, breaks down the causes of hand numbness and explains how a professional bike fit can help. This blog will discuss the key to fix hand numbness cycling and reduce hand & finger numbness with a bike fit.
We will also discuss finding the best bike fit in Toronto and the most likely bike fit problem that causes numbness while cycling.
What Causes Hand Numbness While Cycling? | Bike Fit Toronto
Numbness and tingling in the hands typically indicate an issue with nerve function. Specifically, the nerves in the brachial plexus—which travel from your neck down into your shoulders and arms—may be compressed or irritated. When cycling, improper bike fit and posture can exacerbate this issue by:
- Putting excessive pressure on your hands.
- Reducing the space for nerves to move freely through the muscles and tissues.
- It causes tension in your upper body, particularly in the scalenes, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae muscles.
- Pressure on the nerves of the brachial plexus travelling through the scalenes or other muscles of the neck can lead to numbness in the fingers
- An already unhealthy neck (tight muscles, sensitive nerves, irritated joints) will have a lower threshold for irritation with poor cycling posture
Bike Fit Myths: Raising the Handlebars Isn’t Always the Solution
One common misconception is that raising your handlebars will alleviate hand pressure. Dr. Ritza emphasizes that this often worsens the problem. Raising the bars shifts your weight forward, increasing the pressure on your hands. This will typically elevate the shoulders, create more tension in the neck and shoulder muscles and aggravate nerve compression.
Instead, addressing hand numbness involves a holistic assessment of your bike fit, focusing on finding the right balance between your seat and handlebars.
How a Bike Fit Can Help Fix Hand Numbness Cycling
Here’s what happens during a professional bike fit at Toronto Bike Fits, based on Dr. Ritza’s approach:
- Assessment of Handlebar Position
Lowering the handlebars can relieve hand pressure by improving your posture and redistributing weight. When your hands are positioned more naturally under your shoulders, there’s more space for nerves to travel without compression. - Checking Shoulder Tension
A quick test involves palpating the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles. If these muscles feel tight or strained, it’s a clear sign that adjustments are needed. - Balancing the Seat and Handlebar Position
If your seat is too low, it can force more weight onto your hands. Raising the seat while appropriately lowering the handlebars can reduce the pressure on your hands and improve overall comfort. - Finding the Ideal “Sweet Spot”
There’s a tipping point in handlebar position: too high increases hand pressure, and too low does the same. A professional bike fitter helps you find the perfect position to avoid overloading your hands.
When to Seek Help To Reduce Hand AND Finger Numbness Bike Fit
If you’re experiencing numbness or tingling only while cycling, it’s likely a bike fit issue. However, if these symptoms persist off the bike, it could indicate a more serious underlying condition involving your spine or nerves. Consult a doctor or chiropractor to rule out these concerns.
Why Choose Toronto Bike Fits?
Dr. Ritza’s method ensures your bike fit is tailored to your anatomy and riding style. His attention to nerve function, muscle tension, and posture sets his service apart, making Toronto Bike Fits a trusted name for solving cycling-related discomfort.
Final Thoughts
Hand numbness while cycling is a solvable issue with the right approach. Avoid DIY adjustments that might worsen the problem and seek a professional bike fit to ensure long-term comfort and performance. For those in Toronto, Dr. Alex Ritza offers expert solutions that prioritize your health and cycling experience.
Keywords:
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If you’re ready to fix your bike fit and enjoy a pain-free ride, contact Toronto Bike Fits today! Leave questions or comments below—we’d love to hear from you.
