Back Pain (Human)

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tasel

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Just wanted to know what other people on here do against lower back pain?

In my case, the lower two spinal discs have worn off and are no longer there (literally non-existent) which makes me more prone to lower back pain. This was only discovered after a skiing accident when the doctors tried figuring out why I couldn't even get up without heavy medication. The doctor blamed it mostly due to the years of riding
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. It got better with time through physio and the right bed (thes memory foam ones work wonders!), I would say the lower back pain was almost gone (only get back pain for a week or so, and it would go away). I am still stiff in my lower back though, even on the good days.

Anyway, the doctor thought I should just be floating around in water (not swimming, but floating!) and basically not do much - which in my opinion made it worse as my fitness level deteriorated. For a while, riding actually made it better, but the back pain does come back after intensive sessions.

Is there anything that you do against back pain???
 
Sit in a saddle permanently!!
I always find my aches and pains go away the minute I get on!

More helpfully, think about your posture in general especially if you work at a computer. Aim to always sit up straight, shoulders back etc...
Yoga or pilates can help by increasing the strength of your core muscles and might help with flexibilty. But, be careful discuss your problem with the instructor before you start as it can potentaialy do more harm than good. I did a 5 yrs of ballet at school similar effect.
The whole floating thing makes sense if you think of it as taking the weight supporting role off your joints and so giving them a break, if you turn it into floating in a hot spa with the manadatory good looking attendant it becomes rather inviting =)-
Erm, I don't mean to be rude and obviously know nothing about you other than that you answer to Tasel, and you may allready be a bean pole, but have you considered losing weight? As if you weigh less there is less pressure on your joints, and less to carry/move around and therefore less strain on muscles. I think a similar argument is used about over weight horses.

Unfortuantly (I have found) with back injuries the pain never seems to fully go away you can just try not to agrevate it....I had major back trouble when I was younger with a slipped disc and I understand how annoying /crippling it can be.
I hope you find something that works!
 
I've been getting physio for quite some time. When I am standing for long periods I have to lift one leg then the other. Conciously tip my pelvis so that my back is not over arched. If i'm kneeling down kneel with one knee up (if that makes sense) and some general back strengtheing exercises.
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I find chiro works for acute stuff, but I've needed physio as well to really make improvements (strained sacroiliac, nothing as dramatic as your problems thank God), and do half an hour of it every day. Well, I try, anyway. The usual provisos about not aggravating existing problems obviously apply...

I'm going to start pilates as practically all my friends are nagging me to and have found it really helps them - it's just finding another hour in the week!

If riding helps (in general) and you work at a desk you could try one of these: http://www.bambach.co.uk/theseat/index.html (or there are other similar ones available). I like mine but sometimes a conventional chair's more comfortable.

Have you had the biomechanics of your feet and legs looked at as well?
 
I have found acupuncture helpful, when my muscles go into spasm occasionally. The first time I had one session and the effects lasted for about 5 years. Then I needed 2 sessions about 18mths ago and I'm still OK. Have had chiro as well but the effects are not as long-lasting.
 
Another vote for pillates and physio.

Also, and this is just one person's opinion, I find riding in my treeless totally eliminates any lower back pain - go figure!
 
Thanks for all the replies!

Yes, I am eagerly trying to lose weight... I was quite slim before the said skiing accident, but put on weight when doctor told me not to do any sports... am trying to lose more weight now by eating less, but it doesn't seem to work as well as doing sports. Jogging etc. is already out of the question as I also have feet problems (similar to heel spur) - Gosh, I make it sound as if I was so sick!!! Anyway, because of that, riding really proved the best way forward... and probably swimming.

I will try physio again and look into acupuncture - yes, it's actually the spasms that create the back pain in my circumstance.

Burnttoast - that saddle seat looks very appealing!
 
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Burnttoast - that saddle seat looks very appealing!

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Mine's not quite the same but is very useful for the days I don't ride as I can zap it up to max height and give myself a mini lunge lesson on it, if you see what I mean! Good for stretching the hip flexors out! Also much less danger of falling off than with my boy... who's put his own hip out having a bronc in the field with his mate - silly man!
 
have you tried western riding? the style encourages you to relax and sit more comfortably. the horses are also flatter moveing which gives you gentle movement in your back. alot of people find it easier than english riding.
 
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