Back Pain And Horse Riding . Posted: 07-16-07 14:12pm
Hi
when I was growing up I rigorously trained
in dressage. This would include riding
without stirrups with a riding crop
wedged behind my shoulders and across my
back, sometimes for hours at a time. I
also used to do cross-country eventing. I
trained in ballet also, however this
didn't present any problems. The dressage,
however, used to make my back ache.
I am now in my early thirties and, for the
past 18 months or so, I have suffered from
excruciating pain in my lower back. It
tends to ease up with massage and/or heat.
I would like to know, do other users who
ride/have ridden, experience back pain? Is
there a correlation between riding and
chronic back pain? Or is it co-incidental
that I am suffering from this now?
Would appreciate any feedback ( no pun
intended), on this.
Many thanks
Lizzie
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The Ginger 1
Supporter
Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 556 Location: Loony-tune-land, England
Posted: 07-17-07 16:36pm
Hi Lizzie
I used to ride as a kid, however I didn't
ride as serious as you...
I was sent airboune and cleared the jump,
on a horses refusal at it ... ended up
hurting my back on the bar.
Sounds like you've pulled or torn a
muscle, or even trapped a nerve, are you
getting any pains down the back of your
legs?
It's best to get this seen by your
doctor..... and get refered to a back
specialist at a hospital.
A doctor will prescibe anti-inflamatory
and pain killers if needed, which does
relieve the pain , but doesn't cure the
problem.
Last year I had a disc removed from my
spine, and still seeking further treatment
.... so get it seen to sooner rather than
later.
Do you still ride? as I know you have to
protect your back (as it is with you
thoughout life) have you considered using
a 'girdle' back support whilst training to
give your back the support you need, also,
underneath your joppers, make sure you
wear knee supports as well, as these are
the joints that will also suffer whilst
riding. Also do gentle floor excersises to
strengthen your back and stomach muscles,
as these muscles protect your back.....
before getting on a horse, like doing
arobics, or any work out, you need to warm
up first.
Doing 'sitting trot' doesn't do the back
any good if you bump back down in the
saddle to hard.
Hope you feel better soon, and get that
back well rested before you get back on
your tall friend.
Angie (The Ginger 1)
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LizzieWoods
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 16 Jul 2007 Posts: 4 Location: ,
Thanks Posted: 07-18-07 11:31am
Hey there Angie, many thanks for your
speedy reply. Yes, a friend suggested it
might be a trapped nerve, recently. I am
just curious whether all that training in
the past has had a permanent affect on my
back/posture now. I'm sorry to hear of
your accident...hope you are okay and that
it hasn't put you off!
I don't really ride much nowadays to be
honest, as I live in London and the
schools simply aren't up to much. I used
to wear a back protector for eventing and
showjumping, but not for dressage.
Many thanks for your help and
advice,again, much appreciated.
Take care
xL
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The Ginger 1
Supporter
Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 556 Location: Loony-tune-land, England
Posted: 07-18-07 17:06pm
Hi Lizzie
No problems ..... if it is a trapped nerve
then to rest it up, but make sure you keep
it mobile, as it could seize up
altogether, gentle walking, floor
exercises etc, no heavy lifting or disco
dancing for you my friend .... if you're
worried about it though, go to a doctor,
and get it checked out, however, a good
warm - hot bath, and a nerofen (if you are
not allergic to them) will help. Nerofen
and tablets like that, reduce any
swelling, whilst a bath relaxes the
muscles surrounding the nerves.
Give it a go, take it easy, and try not to
stress yourself out ... that causes pain
too you know ...
I don't think the horse riding did any
damage, however, sitting with a straight
posture, whilst riding with no stirrups
sounds like a lot of strain of the lower
back nerves and muscles.
Keep smiling babe
Angie
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LizzieWoods
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 16 Jul 2007 Posts: 4 Location: ,
Nice One Posted: 07-19-07 05:15am
Hi Angie, great profile pic - I have a
similar fluffy jacket, in pink! Thanks
again, wise words indeed. Well, it comes
and goes, it is okay at the moment, though
I am dosing up on Neurofen. I must admit,
I tend to burn the candle at both ends at
times and am finding the prospect of
resting up this weekend quite difficult
but rest
up I will haha. it's funny
isn't it, we don't really give the back a
second thought until it starts to give
gyp. Should really be taught about
preventative stuff at school or something,
really. Yes, I do reckon that my training
in the past has adversely affected my back
now, when I think about it, it seems
logical. Really appreciate your thoughts
on this. Have a great weekend!
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The Ginger 1
Supporter
Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 556 Location: Loony-tune-land, England
Good Weeken Posted: 07-19-07 15:56pm
Hi Lizzie - you too have a good weekend
..... don't forget, if you drink this
weekend, try not to spill it LOL ......
you can rest and have fun too .... depends
what you're up to tho ... I've added you
to my contacts list, so if you ever need a
chat, feeling down, or just to say Hi...
I'm here ..
Angie
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LizzieWoods
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 16 Jul 2007 Posts: 4 Location: ,
Thanks! Posted: 07-20-07 07:49am
Hi Angie,
cool. Will add you too. you have a good
weekend, and feel free to message me too,
if you fancy a chat or whatever
.All the best
x
but rest
up I will 
haha. it's funny
isn't it, we don't really give the back a
second thought until it starts to give
gyp. Should really be taught about
preventative stuff at school or something,
really. Yes, I do reckon that my training
in the past has adversely affected my back
now, when I think about it, it seems
logical. Really appreciate your thoughts
on this. Have a great weekend!
you have a good
weekend, and feel free to message me too,
if you fancy a chat or whatever
