Back pain and horse riding

Very interesting reading here .

I've been riding my entire life and have had more falls than I really care to remember. I never had any sort of back pain until I was bucked off on my head when I was 14. That pinched some nerves in my neck and upper back (spent about 3 hours laying in the field thinking that I'd broken my neck). Due to that fall and quite a few others I've had over the years, I have nearly constant pain in my back and neck, just in varying degrees. I've also found that when I ride properly without allowing myself to become tense, then riding actually helps to keep my muscles loose so the pain is diminished.

Of course, I've been going to a chiropractor frequently for the last 15 years and he's the one that keeps me going, but I honestly believe that riding helps a great deal...except the times when I take another fall .

Its good to see so many getting better through their riding, and this case is no exception.
The falls don't sound too healthy, but I guess that's the price of riding.
You were lucky not to break the neck on that fall.
Thanks for the feedback.
Dr Les Bailey

Thank you for the advice!

You are very welcome indeed.
Dr Les Bailey

It has been proven that riding with a long relaxed leg and pelvis/lower back is the best form of physio there is. 300+ muscles are exercised. It's best to have either a person walk the horse or have a horse that will be fine with loose reins.

If you have pre exisiting conditions then riding could irritate them. Freak accidents, spooky horses, sudden stumbles and trips can all lead to injury. I think with a normal riding routine back issues are minimal as long as you crosstrain and have a strong back/core. It helps too keeping your body even, balanced and not one sided (especially if your horse has a dominent side).

Sweeping the yard is a back killer when I really go off on one of my OCD moments. ;)