Uncomfortable Bike Saddle Effects on Health
This Healthy Habit Can Hurt You
Cycling is a great way to stay in shape. According to Harvard University, going for a ride is good for your heart and muscles, and it may improve how you walk, balance, and climb stairs. A study conducted by the British Medical Association found that coronary heart disease was reduced by 50% when people cycled 20 miles a week.
At more than 1 billion, there are twice as many bicycles in the world as there are cars. With so many bikers, eighty-one million is spent on cycling gear in the U.S. compared to $51 billion spent on airplane tickets and fees. People who participate in outdoor activities spend over $10 billion annually on bicycling gear, accessories, and vehicles.
Health Risks Due To Cycling
No one wants to deal with that pain from a hard bike seat. When riding, the sit bones should be supporting the rider’s weight with little to no pressure on the perineal or pubic bone area, according to Airo Bike. In addition to a sore bottom, you can end up with some pretty serious medical issues involving your joints, nerves, and circulatory system.
Nerve Damage
There are many nerves in the perineal area, making it a sensitive area. Riders can experience discomfort as a result of pressure on the nerves and vessels of the perineal area. Live Strong believes that riding bicycle saddles puts pressure on the sciatic nerve can leave your back and one or both of your legs numb or in pain. Comfortable bicycle saddles
are important, according to Airo Bike, as it is essential that these sensitive areas of nerves and blood vessels in the perineal or pubic bone area are not damaged.
Back Pain
If you use an uncomfortable bike saddle, you could find yourself wiggling to find a semi-comfortable position. According to Cycling Weekly, the piriformis muscle which starts at the lower back and connects to the upper surface of the thigh bone. Irritation here may present as hip pain or pain anywhere lower in the leg. This can cause you to sit in positions that put a strain on your back muscles or nerves causing issues with your posture which can impact other areas as well.
Sexual Dysfunction
The pressures of an uncomfortable bicycle saddles affect men and women. In some case, a man who cycles often may, over time, experience erectile dysfunction and a woman may experience less genital sensation which can result in fewer orgasms. The Epainassist says The reason for this is as a person cycles he puts a significant amount of weight on the perineal area where a lot of nerves and arteries going to the penis are present which tends to impinge or compress these nerves or arteries.
As healthy and profitable as cycling can be, it can be unsafe and uncomfortable if you don’t have the right bike seats. If you cycle often you’ll want to invest in good bicycle saddles. There are many types of bike saddles. The best way to find one that’s comfortable is to try them out. Visit a bike shop and take a seat, or three. Your butt will thank you.