Exercise, of course, is good for you. But any form of exercise also can expose you to the risk of injury. Riding a bicycle is a great form of exercise, but it, too, has its risks. A relatively common injury among cyclists is an irritation and inflammation of the ulnar nerve, which runs from the armpit through the inside of the elbow and into the hand and forearm. Technically, the condition is called ‘ulnar neuropathy.’ Colloquially, it’s sometimes called ‘handlebar palsy.’ Holding the wrist and arms in a locked position for a long time, as you might while cycling, can irritate the nerve as your arms absorb the shock of bumps transmitted through the handlebars. Symptoms can include pain and a tingling sensation in the fingers, hands and forearms.

A regimen of stretching and exercises to strengthen the muscles of the wrist and forearm can help prevent the condition from developing and can also ease the discomfort. Since ulnar neuropathy falls into the category of an overuse ailment, cutting back on your mileage or frequency of rides can also help. And, as with the equipment you would use in any sport, make sure your bike is the right size for you.

Chiropractic treatment can be effective in dealing with the discomfort of ulnar neuropathy. Talk with your chiropractor for more tips on how to get the most out of your exercise plan.

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