Why Does My Neck Hurt After Cycling?

Much more than a workout, cycling is a way to breathe, move, and feel free, especially along the stunning roads and trails around Santa Cruz. But when neck pain starts cutting into that experience, the ride can feel more like a chore than a joy.

If you’ve noticed tightness, stiffness, or pain in your neck after riding, you’re not imagining it. And you’re not alone. Whether you’re training for your next race or just love your Sunday ride, discomfort in the neck is one of the most common challenges cyclists face.

What’s Causing the Pain?

Holding your head up for hours while staying tucked into a forward-leaning posture demands a lot of your spine. Over time, that demand creates wear, not just in the muscles but also in how your nervous system manages stress and coordination.

Some contributing factors include:

• A bike fit that strains your posture (like low handlebars or an aggressive reach)
• Core fatigue that shifts the burden to your neck and shoulders
• Upper back tightness and postural imbalances
• Subtle misalignments in the cervical spine amplifying pressure with every mile

Support That’s Built for Cyclists

As a lifelong competitive cyclist and performance chiropractor, Santa Cruz chiropractor Dr. Bjorn Bostrom understands the physical demands of cycling firsthand. Through our Spinalsense Performance program, we offer tailored spinal care to support recovery, improve posture, and enhance body mechanics.

Using gentle, precise NetworkSpinal® adjustments, Dr. Bjorn helps release built-up tension in the neck and upper spine. This improves communication between the nervous system and muscles, reduces inflammation, and restores mobility—key factors for anyone spending hours in the saddle.

What We Offer

• NetworkSpinal care to help your spine unwind deeply held tension without cracking or force
• Digital posture and motion analysis to map out the patterns behind your pain
• Custom support plans that include stretching, spinal rhythm training, and recovery strategies
• Performance coaching that respects your body’s limits and potential

“Cycling should feel expansive—not something your body pays for later,” says Dr. Bjorn.

Whether you’re riding to race, to explore, or simply to feel more alive, your neck pain doesn’t have to be part of the deal. When your spine is supported and your nervous system is tuned in, your body rides differently. With more ease. More flow. More strength.