Horse riders with back pain?

[Teej]

I have sciatica at the moment, it came on me gradually yesterday whilst I was out on a hack and got progressively worse during the day. I used to get it a lot when I was much younger and then it eased off until I fell of Baby in Feb 2008. I manage it carefully now and it doesn't usually impact my life and I can do everything a 'back pain free' person can do :D

The interesting thing is that I have never come across a horse rider who doesn't have some sort of back pain so I thought I would do a poll to see what the statistics are on EW ;)

[black crow]

When i was riding, i never had it, unless from something like an accident or a remedial horse, but never from general riding, work etc.

When i stopped riding, i've had no end of it.

I have had hip problems which is related to the problem i have with my legs, but apart from that, i have never once had back ache from or during riding

[XenaWarriorPrincess]

Once from riding, i was riding a horrid pony in a horrid saddle and it gave me back ache!
I had it the other week where a horse ****** off across the field and i held onto the leadrope :( gave me rope burn and back ache!

[gem]

I've only had a bad back after falls. There were 2 in particular that left me unable to walk for a few days but luckily nothing has been permanent. I find riding helps my back because it encourages better posture. Mucking out however....:)

[CityLights]

out of all the horses i ride and i will ride quite a few there is only one i ever get a sore back by riding, i have no idea why, im not nervous on him he isnt naughty he isnt boncy or anything i just really really ache after riding him

i have a really bad back today but i think mine is more down to my job than riding, before my job i never ever had a sore back

[sazzy925]

I get it pretty regularly, mainly during the holidays when I'm riding often twice daily with shauny and at my school.
I have to make sure I don't slouch when I ride, I have to sit up - otherwise my back does not stand a chance.

[Poppy and Harmony]

I'm rather 'top heavy' so I get mild back ache quite often but riding makes it worse though it's not really bad just uncomfertable

[eeek]

I didn't until I had a racing accident 3 years ago which still bothers me from time to time.

Driving the sulky makes it more sore than riding actually.

[helena]

Regularly, due to a combination of scoliosis and falling off head first into a telegraph pole from a galloping horse about 20 years ago. I am currently writing this leaning to one side, and will probably have to have paracetamol before bed. I have back pain EVERY day of my life, but it doesn't stop me doing anything.

[My Crazy Clan]

Not sure f mine counts? But when I fell of Monty he must have cracked somthing at the bottom of my back because he hurt for months, I still rode him everyday though, the pain has gone now but if I'm sitting for to long etc hes very painful.

[Savvy]

Constantly - although this is since I was in a couple of car accidents within the space of a weekend (both not my fault I hasten to add!)

Everynow and then it gets a bit better then I'll either have a fall or sometimes just an awkward jump or big cat leap will set it off again - it's never been fully better though - prob never will be

I'd buy shares in voltarol and cocodamol...

[K8E]

I get back ache occasionally. I started to get twinges every now and then when i fell down the stairs 4 years ago but made my back worse by falling off. So if i bend funny it sets my blooming back off.

I actually hurt my back last sunday.

[Loony]

My shoulder crunches and clicks because of riding!

My auntie has a bad neck because she rode through all her childhood, 20s, and 30s.. she was a really successful showjumper though, I suppose if she was a happy hacker it would be different.

[silly mare]

I have sciatica too, I slipped a disc at the beginning of the year and when I went to docs they told me I also have osteoarthritus in my left knee and hip. With the weather turning a wee bit colder I'm sore at the moment. Haven't ridden for a couple of days because of it. Hopefully it will pass in a week or so and I'll be back on the road.

Ali

[ness]

I used to have a painful back-but due to falls! I think most back pain is more due to lifting incorrectly (eg. bags of feed) and bending (eg cleaning out feet!) as long as you are sensible, riding shouldn't cause a bad back. In fact it is good for your back as it keeps you flexible!

[Teej]

Actually I have got on my horse in the past with lower back pain and it has completely disappeared whilst riding. Falling off horses is what seems to do it for most people! I am very careful about using my legs correctly when I bend or pick something up and that has worked quite well. I'm wondering if my current sciatica was due to being out on Saturday night with very high pointy boots on and we walked there and back plus had to stand all night!!!

[ness]

Standing around with high heels would do it for me, Tracey!

[Teej]

Standing around with high heels would do it for me, Tracey!

Yup, it was likely to be that this time around :lol:

[flambards]

I have mild lordosis of the lower back (means my back curves inwards much more sharply than the average person's - when I touch my toes my back is still curved, not rounded) which means I am constantly experiencing some form of back pain and have a very weak back.

Riding doesn't help. The cantering motion especially jars my back and compresses my spine in a really bad way that doesn't happen with people with normal spine's because mine can't really absorb shock properly. My instructors have helped me come up with compensatory measures with my equitation that still look good but keep most of the stress out of my spine and disperses it elsewhere.

[Roan Mare]

I am lucky that I don't suffer any back pain but have to say that most riders that I know do.

[dadeda]

I have chronic lower back pain. Riding at the walk is fine; it seems to help, being a gentle movement. Sitting trot is agony. Worse is getting the pony ready, picking out feet has brought tears to my eyes before now and straightening up after bending to do this takes me a LONG time and a lot of cursing!

[Smoke on the Water]

I used to have a hell of a bad back when I had Abbie. I think it was to do with her being a big horse and having a big stride. I know a few people who suffer back ache because of this. Since Harvey I suffer very occasionally. Which is great!!!