exercises to help compressed discs

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Pixxie

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So after suffering with my back for the past two years since breaking my ribs very comprehensively next to my spine I went and had an MRI scan and discovered at the grand age of 20 I have compressed a disc in my lumbar spine which is bulging also which makes the pain extend to my hips. Obviously I want to continue riding as long as possible and don't want ny back to affect my horsey life. So i was just wondering if any of you have the same problem and any advice to help prevent further degeneration as the disc isn't completely collapsed yet and any exercise(s) to help the lower core muscles

Thankyou in advance to anyone who takes the time to look or help :)
 
((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))

I have degenerative disc disorder (L4,L5 and S1), and the only real exercise that keeps me supple is........RIDING !!! I was told not to ride again, I had to give up my career in the RSPCA, but here I am 12 years later - riding every day. My back is still knackered, but riding is the one thing that can help it !!

When I started riding again, the gentle side to side motion really helped, and my new specialist confirmed it was very good for my back. I am talking walking only, when in pain, and letting yourself follow the movement of the horse gently. I also wear a back belt (currently a £5 weight lifters support belt - FAB !!) and when my back is bad, off we plod.

I ride in a barefoot treeless much of the time, and find this really helps, it's very supportive and comfy. I tried showing once, and the standing around crippled me. I have also sadly come to the conclusion that jumping may be good for Shy, but definitely not for me. Do i care ?? God no !

Good luck xx
 
Last edited:
shysmum said:
((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))

I have degenerative disc disorder (L4,L5 and S1), and the only real exercise that keeps me supple is........RIDING !!! I was told not to ride again, I had to give up my career in the RSPCA, but here I am 12 years later - riding every day. My back is still knackered, but riding is the one thing that can help it !!

When I started riding again, the gentle side to side motion really helped, and my new specialist confirmed it was very good for my back. I am talking walking only, when in pain, and letting yourself follow the movement of the horse gently. I also wear a back belt (currently a £5 weight lifters support belt - FAB !!) and when my back is bad, off we plod.

I ride in a barefoot treeless much of the time, and find this really helps, it's very supportive and comfy. I tried showing once, and the standing around crippled me. I have also sadly come to the conclusion that jumping may be good for Shy, but definitely not for me. Do i care ?? God no !

Good luck xx
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When I had my slipped disc many years ago, sitting caused my back to seize up in total spasm. I was fine walking about but driving was touch and go and the only relief I got was from lying on the floor with knees bent. However the best I felt was on my weekly riding lesson, I'd arrive in agony but get off after all loose and supple and pain free! So I guess even then I should have realised that movement and exercise was the answer to a certain extent. Mine was so far gone I did end up needing an operation and then it took another 20 years to listen to what everyone was saying and do core strength exercises to build up the muscles to support the spine.
Now I'm a total convert and am trying to convince other people like me to just give it a go and see how quickly they get results.
 
I totally agree re riding being beneficial my back is certainly worse when I don't ride my affected disc is L4 and the bulge is affecting the nerves to my hips which results in very achy hips and its that pain which I find riding helps the most as I guess I relax my hips. I have a deep seated dressage saddle which is incredibly supportive to the extent I really feel it if I ride in someone else's!!! I think from the sounds of things pilates and strengthening my lower core muscles to the same level as my upper ones (very pleased at how those looked on the MRI :p smug) is the way to go!
 
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