Riding with bad backs - wise idea or not? any tips?

[divadoo]

So, silly me put a horse before myself earlier this year and as such, i have wrecked my back. In typical horse owner style, despite the doctor telling me to rest, i have continued to do the horses as there was no-one else, my mums tried to help a bit but shes now retired and not easy for her.
It actually seems my lower spine has stopped working, where a spine 'bends' all the way along, my doesnt. I also app have a typical horse riders posture esp when they have tried to get me to do diff physio exercises to try and teach it to work again.

Anyway, i havent ridden properly since becoming a mum 5 years ago, the plan was that by now, i would be riding again on a very regular basis. i have had a lot going on recently and i need to ride, it will be my therapy

does anyone have any advice or do you ride with a dodgy back? do you use a back support or anything? Initially i will just be on one of my older ones but i do have a couple that i need to back :/ (have already sat on one before i hurt my back, she should be easy).

I have thought about buying one of those riding exercise machines so i can see if my back can take it without actually being on horseback. I know what the physio would prob say but they appreciate that i need to continue with the horses etc, they have just wanted me to know that as i am not resting, it will all take longer - it has been going on since Feb time!

[lisadundee]

Since having my first child who is now 5 and having a bad natural birth with her as she was 9lb 11oz and I am quite small, I now have a rotated pelvis and have since then had X-rays abs also have developed scoliosis and have a bulging disc at the bottom of my spine, I'm always in agony but find that back braces / corsets do help, I have one with metal rods in that helps and I will only ride my own horses now and find a dressage saddle helps support me better. I also bought this little plastic muck trolley that I pull to the muck heap which is so much easier than pushing a barrow and it was only £15 from lidl. I have regular Physio when I can afford but it only helps temporary and have had traction which seemed to help.

[Louise Dixon]

I also use a back support with metal rods, and find the stirrups with the springs in the sides help a lot - don't have to be the really expensive ones.

[lisadundee]

I use also use the sprenger stirrups and they do help x

[sarahp]

Looking at it from the other end of life, when I've had to give up riding due to arthritis, I'd say do everything you can to let your back repair as it will last you longer in a functioning state. You say both "wrecked" and "dodgy" about it though, which to me mean different things. If wrecked and repairable, do everything you can to repair it. If only dodgy but permanent (which it doesn't sound like from what you say, remember we can only comment on what you have posted) that is the time to find strategies to help you ride in more comfort. If the bottom of your back is fixed you cannot ride to best effect anyway, it needs to be flexible.

In practical terms, I used the sprung stirrups too and found them very helpful. Physios DO know their job and there are lots of different exercises to do to help regain your back function, and swimming (I was told to by my rheumatologist) and pilates are both good too.

I'd be interested to know what a "typical horse rider's posture" is according to a physio, the correct one for flat work is very straight and upright, the old shoulder, hip, heel in a vertical line and obviously even laterally.

[divadoo]

Thanks for the replies.

I havent been told long term if my back will ever be 'normal' again and if it is repairable or not. I have other health problems, one of which means i no longer have reflexes and the physio was in disbelief about it until she got out their little hammer and realised yep, they no longer function!

Will have a look at those stirrups but need to dash as just had a call from the yard re a poorly horsey.

[B_31]

I got slammed on the floor by my delightful tb a few years ago, have suffered ever since, have had physio etc which didnt help tbh, and advised riding wouldnt really help...ive had 12 months out now and plan to start backing and ridin gmy youngster end of this year.

ive heard about sprenger strirrups too they are meant to be good (i will be investing in some.)

just take it easy and listen to your back (!) if it hurts...stop!

[catkin]

I have two eroded discs, two fused vertebrae and will require two new hips (or so I am advised). I do not ride as well as I used to (probably due to lack of practice) and riding hurts a bit but doesn't make things worse. However, I would totally agree with SarahP. If you are in a situation whereby rest will help then rest. I am beyond repair and have to work round my problems, you may have a chance of recovery. I have an osteopath sister and I am pretty certain she would advise the same. Be sensible!

[victoria264]

I fell off a couple of years ago now and have ended up with a bad back - not good really when i have a 5 year old section D! i try and stick to the older horses and go for a nice safe plod but then again horses are unpredictable. I got told i wouldnt be able to ride ever or for a long time obv i didnt listen to this, so im meant to ride wearing a back support (which if im being honest i hardly wear) i also ride quite long as my sore back affects my hips. Nothing will stop me though

[piccolo]

Apart from the disc issues, I seriously recommend you have McTimoney chiropractic on your backs. You will feel much better.

[divadoo]

Just a little update, it seemed to be hurting less and less until yesterday and I am back to square one, I stop for 5 min and it locks and is agony and I am unable to move :/ I didn't do anything unusual yesterday and actually did less mucking out that usual.
I'm back at the physio on Thursday so will see what they say about the sudden worsening of it.

I haven't ridden yet, but I have bought some new flexi stirrups to try out :-)