For all of you riders with back problems…

little_flea

little_flea

Well-Known Member
Joined
13 September 2007
Messages
3,339
Location
London (but Swedish)
Visit site
Just thought I'd share this. I have had a bad lower back on and off for years, and 6 weeks ago I was riding a strong horse and it completely went, I was crippled and couldn't ride, couldn't sit, couldn't walk. Went to osteopath and GP, everyone told me it was a disc related problem and that there was nothing that could be done apart from rest - predicted it would take around 6 months to heal.

Week 3 I went to a physiotherapist who gave me IMS treatment - intramuscular stimulation - basically long needles stuck into the tight muscles to release them. I'm not going to bore you with a lengthy explanation on how it works, but after the first session I was drastically improved, and after two treatments I was riding again. I've had 3 treatments now and my back feels better than ever.

In my opinion, IMS really is worth looking into if you have recurring back problems – I absolutely cannot believe how much better I am and how quickly it has worked. Some more info about how it works here http://www.istop.org/

Just thought I'd share this with you as it is a form of treatment I'd never even heard of before, and I know that so many of us riders suffer with bad backs. If I hadn't had this, my whole competition season would never have happened.

That's all! :)
 
My bad back tends to hurt higher up, sort of bra strap level. But sometimes get lower back pain.
I've not heard of that treatment but glad it worked
im scared of needles so don't want it but sure others Will benefit from trying it
 
This sounds very good and if someone could get rid of my back pain i would love them forever but to do IMS i would need to get over my phobia of needles :-(
 
It doesn't hurt, it is a very weird sensation, and it actually feels strangely good when the muscles release. I do appreciate being scared of needles - I'm absolutely terrified of injections, they make me cry - but this was absolutely fine. Or maybe the thought of not being able to ride for 6 months and being in so much pain just made me endure it! I actually look forward to my treatments now.

Perhaps you could just take a couple of valiums and a shot of vodka beforehand? :D
 
This looks like accupuncture? Or is it something totally different? I have been having accupuncture on my back for a few months now and the difference is amazing.
 
There are similarities in that they both use needles. Acupuncture hits spots that are pre-determined to stimulate a meridian flow (I don't really know much about acupuncture, so may be wrong) IMS needles goes directly into the irritation of the muscle to release the spasm - ie into the source of the problem area as determined by the practitioner. IMS needles also go much deeper than acupuncture needles.
 
Little_Flea, where did you have your treatment? I have an old riding injury that I feel will be with me forever (muscular) and it makes me miserable everyday.

Could you let me know where you had your treatment as I can't find anyone local to speak to about this.

Thanks
Emma
 
I am actually in bed now with a bad back, slipped dealing with the horses this morning and now can't move. Wonders off a hot water bottle and pain killers but annoying just when I'm bringing 2 horses back into work which really don't need this time off to get their backs up again.
 
Back pain is completely debilitating. My physio said 80% of people improve drastically with this treatment - he said the remainder often tend to have a fully prolapsed disc with sciatic nerve pain, IMS cannot treat nerve pain, and they are surgery candidates.

I went to a place a friend recommended me called the Varney Clinic in Enfield - I live in London. I don't know how common it is for places to offer this treatment though. Perhaps google "intramuscular stimulation" or "dry needling" for your area. Hope you can find somewhere.
 
I'm going to the phisio today for the first time for my lower back pain I've been having on n off for last 2 yrs or so.doc thinks it maybe a trapped nerve.but I feel it could b worse than that.sometimes I can't get ofg settee or out of bed n I'm only 31!! Lol
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top