Arm pain and tingling on a motorcycle: causes and remedies

WHO HAS NEVER EXPERIENCED ARM AND SHOULDER DISCOMFORT WHILE RIDING A MOTORCYCLE? RAISE YOUR HAND! PROBABLY, ALONG WITH LOWER BACK PAIN, IT’S THE MOST COMMON ISSUE FOR A MOTORCYCLIST.

This article is not meant to delve into the riding posture; regarding this topic, I recommend reading Marcella’s excellent articles on riding strategies.

Instead, I would like to clarify the different painful sensations or simply discomfort that can be experienced while riding and their possible causes, also highlighting when it might be a good idea to consult a doctor (always remember that self-diagnosis is strongly discouraged, and this is not intended to be a manual for aspiring doctors!).

MOST FREQUENT PAINS

So, what are the most common sensations experienced by a motorcyclist in the shoulders and arms?

– Neck Pain

– Shoulder Tension

– Pain between the Shoulder Blades

– Tingling in the Hands

– Tingling and/or a shock in one or both arms

– Elbow Pain

– Hands turning cold and pale

These symptoms are quite general, but each of them indicates involvement of different anatomical structures:

– If the issue is due to muscle tension and fatigue, especially after long rides, it’s muscular pain, often affecting the shoulders, neck, or scapular area.

– If we’re talking about tingling and contractions, either in the hands or along the arm, this type of sensation is related to the (temporary) compression or stretching of the arm’s nerves (brachial plexus).

– Sudden coldness and paleness in the hands are symptoms of a vascular nature; in this case, there could be a temporary reduction in blood flow.

Stabbing o acute pains in a joint like elbows or wrists are indicative of joint or tendon-related issues and are usually due to repeated, prolonged overloading in that area. Frequently, this is related to work or sports-related activities.

In addition to identifying the sensations, it’s now necessary to understand when they occur: if they only arise while riding and then disappear, or if they last a long time, even after stopping.

PAIN RELATED TO RIDING

If the pain is only related to riding, here are three pieces of advice:

1. Try to understand if your riding posture is correct.

2. Modify the motorcycle to make it customized.

3. Do specific exercises.

Without going into specifics about your riding technique, if you use your arms extensively, you might overload the muscles, which can lead to both muscle pain and the sensation of tingling and contractions due to nerve compression. (Read here the article on how to stay on the seat.)

Also, be cautious if you tend to clench your teeth due to tension or concentration while riding; this habit can also lead to various issues, including muscle tension in the neck (and potentially headaches).

Regarding the vehicle, it’s crucial to consider if the motorcycle you’ve chosen is the right size for your body structure and if there are simply adjustments to be made to the handlebar or seat to make your motorcycle more ergonomic. In addition to measurements, vibrations can also be disruptive; if they’re very strong, they can lead to tingling in the hands or elbow pain.

MUSCLE STRETCHING

Another helpful tip for managing pain could be to perform muscle stretching before getting on the motorcycle and, if you’re planning a long ride, perhaps when you stop for a break. Not just to stretch your muscles but specifically to de-tense critical points!

The positions should be held for at least a minute, motionless, and repeated a couple of times, while breathing and trying to feel the area in question “stretching” without experiencing pain.

If the pain persists even after riding, despite all precautions, perhaps the situation requires further examination by an expert.

Always remember that riding a motorcycle is a sport: it requires equipment of the right “size” (motorcycle) and a certain level of attention to your physical health!