Cyclist syndrome? / Numbness
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2021 12:52 am
Hello:
I'm a young male cyclist and started noticing persisting perineum numbness as well as reduced sensation on genitals through a season of races. I had about 4-5 different bike fits, tried over 20 seats, including what I believe to be every single one billed for saddle-related issues (ISM, Infinity, Specialized, SMP, BiSaddle, SQLab, Ergon, the list goes on). I've also had a little bit of tingling and slight reduced lower body sensations, but strength is completely normal.
I've been off the bike for over a year trying to take this seriously. Done long rounds of PT with pelvic floor and regular PT, including internal work. Was told that I have "increased pelvic tone" whatever that means. I have dramatically strengthened my quads, hip flexors. However, internal (anal) massage, either by therapy or self via a thera-wand, causes dramatic flare-ups of numbness that last for days or weeks. Cycling and internal work make it flare-up the worst, long car or plane rides irritate a little but not much.
I did sacral and lumbar MRIs and they came back normal, perhaps slight ambiguity if I had a small annular tear but my physical therapist and spine doc from a reputable research hospital don't see any major spine issues besides normal age-related wear. I saw one of the doctors visited by many folks on these forums, who suggested I don't have PN based on palpation (that I didn't cry in pain). Contrary to the advice from the spine doctor, he suggested it could have spinal causes. I've had no spinal issues or surgeries, and have had a minor bike accident before but all this stuff was starting well before that.
I'm still running, but it doesn't cause flare-ups, oddly (I see that for folks here).
My suspicion is that I've irritated the nerve through tight pelvic floor, ligaments. With poor form and lack of lateral movement/hip strengthening. My game plan is strengthening, maybe massage as much as I can tolerate, and continued time. Welcome thoughts of others. Thank you!
I'm a young male cyclist and started noticing persisting perineum numbness as well as reduced sensation on genitals through a season of races. I had about 4-5 different bike fits, tried over 20 seats, including what I believe to be every single one billed for saddle-related issues (ISM, Infinity, Specialized, SMP, BiSaddle, SQLab, Ergon, the list goes on). I've also had a little bit of tingling and slight reduced lower body sensations, but strength is completely normal.
I've been off the bike for over a year trying to take this seriously. Done long rounds of PT with pelvic floor and regular PT, including internal work. Was told that I have "increased pelvic tone" whatever that means. I have dramatically strengthened my quads, hip flexors. However, internal (anal) massage, either by therapy or self via a thera-wand, causes dramatic flare-ups of numbness that last for days or weeks. Cycling and internal work make it flare-up the worst, long car or plane rides irritate a little but not much.
I did sacral and lumbar MRIs and they came back normal, perhaps slight ambiguity if I had a small annular tear but my physical therapist and spine doc from a reputable research hospital don't see any major spine issues besides normal age-related wear. I saw one of the doctors visited by many folks on these forums, who suggested I don't have PN based on palpation (that I didn't cry in pain). Contrary to the advice from the spine doctor, he suggested it could have spinal causes. I've had no spinal issues or surgeries, and have had a minor bike accident before but all this stuff was starting well before that.
I'm still running, but it doesn't cause flare-ups, oddly (I see that for folks here).
My suspicion is that I've irritated the nerve through tight pelvic floor, ligaments. With poor form and lack of lateral movement/hip strengthening. My game plan is strengthening, maybe massage as much as I can tolerate, and continued time. Welcome thoughts of others. Thank you!