Horse ownership and bad backs (humans)

[Lauraback]

Hi All

Whilst chatting to my vet last week I mentioned having had a bad back for many months and was awaiting the results of an MRI, she said she thought it was a common ailment due to the hard work of horse ownership! Do you agree? Any personal experiences?
I have been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis and have a steroid injection booked in for 3 weeks time so also interested to hear if anyone else has had this and did it help! Thank you

 

[sportsmansB]

I haven't ever had a diagnosis (probably because I go to the physio at a push but never the doctor, its to hard to get an appointment!) but I do believe that more horse people than average people have back issues. Whether its more than the average of people with a physically demanding job or hobby (which obviously isn't everyone) I don't know. The physio I go to is a sports physio and does see lots of horsey people.
The thing which helps keep mine in check the most is regular yoga, I think its the stretching.

 

[catembi]

I have torn a muscle in my back moving the manege grader. 4 weeks in and it still jolly hurts, possibly because I can't stop using it. I keep getting these niggly soft tissue injuries - MRI a while ago was clear, to my astonishment. I go for sports injury rehab massages and have recently started a progressive exercise rehab program. I can't buy another horse until I am physically capable of test driving it! It's getting me down atm as I am the 'weakest link' with respect to getting horse no 5 :-(

 

[Abacus]

I was talking to a chiro who was offering massage at an event. She said that in her opinion riding is in general very good for backs - the constant light flexing of the spine in all directions is perfect physio. That however is from steady riding with no falls or trauma. It’s probably also true that we are more prone to injury from more dramatic causes, whether falls or yard work.

 

[oldie48]

I had a back issue (tarlov cyst) which pre-dates me starting to ride. I found riding actually helped my back (just read the above comment) and I concur. I still have the same issue and would sometimes be in pain, take some paracetamol, ride and be pain free again. It's using your back incorrectly that does the damage but pilates has made a huge difference to me.

 

[Pippity]

I'd imagine riding is quite good for backs, but the associated slog of horse care isn't. And then, of course, there are the injuries from forgetting the first rule of riding - keep the horse between yourself and the ground!

 

[Mrs G]

Horse ownership has definitely taken its toll on my back; years of mucking out, poo picking, lugging hay nets, carrying buckets of water, feed sacks etc on top of various falls, injuries and jarring bucks and broncs. The last 4 years in particular my back pain has got worse and worse, it makes me feel so much older than I am - I see my Mum, sprightly and probably fitter now than she ever has been and I know that’s not going to be my future! Actual riding is ok, as long as my horse doesn’t throw in any surprise moves, but the rest of the associated care is physically very hard now and only doable with pain relief. I do all the physio exercises/yoga and Pilates - I can’t say it makes much difference but it can’t harm!

 

[sbloom]

Keeping horses is hard work and most of us do little else to keep fit let alone do things to make sure we're not moving in dysfunction. Same as horses really! We should do this as prevention - another sport if possible, swimming, running etc, but they will also affect how we sit, our use of muscles etc, so it's always a good idea to work with an off horse specialist like the two I recommend, Blue House Pilates and Equimech, both have good online programmes. They have enormous skill sets and will see that you're using your body well, avoiding these injuries which, just like with horses, are RSI.

And for bad backs most saddles aren't doing what they could for riders, we need to be optimised which, ideally, means the pelvis is supported in neutral - at rest, in comfort, without effort - which stacks the spine and avoids tension and all sorts of possible problems.

 

[asmp]

I’m suffering now (early 60s). My back lady reckons I’ve had lots of falls and she’s not wrong there! I realised that I walk slightly bent over - had a bit of shock when I saw myself in a shop window (I thought I was quite upright)

 

[Follysmum]

After my fall ( compressed spinal cord and 5 discs ) ct scan and mri also revealed severe arthritis and stenosis, most age related apparently but Dr did say we horse people do give our bodies a battering. He said the worst thing about us is that we fall off and just get back on regardless if it hurts instead of getting checked out.

 

[Time for Tea]

I think horse keeping is a strain as you get older, as remarked on above. For myself, I think it keeps me strong, but I take care to do the jobs carefully And I have noticed if I go for a really long ride, I feel loosened up afterwards, and really good. So riding can be good for you! My pony is quite bouncy as well, not a floating type of ride at all. I have had numerous crashing falls over the years, but seem to have mended ok. I do have my exercise routine, which I follow daily, it doesn’t take long. I have more trouble with my feet, but that is hereditary.

 

[Equi]

Every equestrian I know over 30 has a bad back.

 

[Tiddlypom]

The best thing for my back is riding a horse.

The worst thing for my back is looking after horses.

 

[Lauraback]

Thank you all who have replied so far it seems I’m not the only crock ! In recent years I haven’t even ridden as my horse and pony are retired but they are stabled overnight in winter I think the mucking out hasn’t done me any favours . I wish I had taken up some other exercises to strengthen my core over the years but it’s hard to find the time will a full time job, the horse and pony to look after and a dog to walk I will try and find some suitable exercises to do after the steroids jab

 

[sbloom]

You would only need 10 minutes a day to start making a difference, do have a look at the two I mentioned.

 

[Esmae]

The best thing for my back is riding a horse.

The worst thing for my back is looking after horses.

This. All day long. I have been a martyr to my back for well over 50 years! I am on very good terms with my osteopath.

 

[lynz88]

When I had my initial PT assessment, the person that it was with said that because of the need to stabilize yourself when riding and the movement of the horse, those who ride tend to be very locked up and tight in the back because it is what is required. It isn't enough to rely on only your core to stabilize when riding though is an incredibly important aspect, particularly that secret inner core is strong enough to help support the back and take at least some of the tension out. It is also very important to do mobilizations and stretching to keep the muscles pliable.

For me, I was using my back for everything and because of the overuse of that combined with underuse of core and legs and glutes (as a protective measure as my pelvis is very wonky from being kicked years ago), my back was like a board. I was also very scared to use my glutes because it doesn't take much to set off my piriformis that then gives me sciatic nerve problems and will completely eff up and lock up my back. I have been given very specific mobilizations and stretches for managing this

 

[Goldenstar]

Horses and bad backs probably go together more than love and marriage

 

[oldie48]

When I had my initial PT assessment, the person that it was with said that because of the need to stabilize yourself when riding and the movement of the horse, those who ride tend to be very locked up and tight in the back because it is what is required. It isn't enough to rely on only your core to stabilize when riding though is an incredibly important aspect, particularly that secret inner core is strong enough to help support the back and take at least some of the tension out. It is also very important to do mobilizations and stretching to keep the muscles pliable.

I think people lock their back because they are not strong in the core. Does your PT ride? My pilates teacher does ride and the focus is on mobility of the back, hips and rib cage and strength in the core muscles.

 

[sbloom]

When I had my initial PT assessment, the person that it was with said that because of the need to stabilize yourself when riding and the movement of the horse, those who ride tend to be very locked up and tight in the back because it is what is required. It isn't enough to rely on only your core to stabilize when riding though is an incredibly important aspect, particularly that secret inner core is strong enough to help support the back and take at least some of the tension out. It is also very important to do mobilizations and stretching to keep the muscles pliable.

For me, I was using my back for everything and because of the overuse of that combined with underuse of core and legs and glutes (as a protective measure as my pelvis is very wonky from being kicked years ago), my back was like a board. I was also very scared to use my glutes because it doesn't take much to set off my piriformis that then gives me sciatic nerve problems and will completely eff up and lock up my back. I have been given very specific mobilizations and stretches for managing this

This is really complex and very few people "get" the whole picture. If the saddle doesn't intrinsically support the pelvis in neutral, without restriction, then all bets are off. We shouldn't be using our size pack but the inner core, the psoas etc, the lats and obliques, are all super important, but the right saddle means we use the right muscles, use less energy, are more comfortable and the horse can move correctly, pushing up instead of being pushed down by our less than optimised seat and core.

We absolutely should not have to lock anything when riding, but saddle fit for the rider is ill understood and trained.

The rider experts are interesting, I would generally say avoid the practitioners who seem to focus on one area, such as glute med - riders all need different tailored solutions, and different seats to their saddles!

 

[holeymoley]

Not yet thankfully, just sore hip and elbow. Hip got injured xc when i was 17, never ever been the same. Elbow causing problems since November and not managed to go away! Can’t work out if mucking out two now since September has something to do with it…

 

[Jambarissa]

Riding definitely helps my back and hips, not so much my knees and ankles.

I think when we ride were conscious of trying to be straight and symmetrical, sitting evenly and using muscles evenly as we try to work our horses evenly.

Then all of the horse care is done on your favoured side. It is filing haynets that hurts my back, so I make my husband do it.

 

[saddlesore]

Yep mine is gubbed had spinal surgery 4 years ago and an MRI at the end of last year showed two other discs have moved and are starting to compress nerves

 

[lynz88]

Riding definitely helps my back and hips, not so much my knees and ankles.

I think when we ride were conscious of trying to be straight and symmetrical, sitting evenly and using muscles evenly as we try to work our horses evenly.

Then all of the horse care is done on your favoured side. It is filing haynets that hurts my back, so I make my husband do it.

I had knee and ankle pain when riding in a saddle that was definitely not designed for my body!!

This is really complex and very few people "get" the whole picture. If the saddle doesn't intrinsically support the pelvis in neutral, without restriction, then all bets are off. We shouldn't be using our size pack but the inner core, the psoas etc, the lats and obliques, are all super important, but the right saddle means we use the right muscles, use less energy, are more comfortable and the horse can move correctly, pushing up instead of being pushed down by our less than optimised seat and core.

We absolutely should not have to lock anything when riding, but saddle fit for the rider is ill understood and trained.

The rider experts are interesting, I would generally say avoid the practitioners who seem to focus on one area, such as glute med - riders all need different tailored solutions, and different seats to their saddles!

I think complex is an understatement. Through my own journey, I have learned a lot about how other areas of the body impact yet other areas; tight muscles impact how and where limbs "hang", body conformation/bone structure impacts how your muscles work or not work, and where some very hidden trigger points in places you'd never think impact elsewhere on the body (I have learned of a few trigger points in my back and lats that impact my bicep and shoulder believe it or not!)

 

[lynz88]

I think people lock their back because they are not strong in the core. Does your PT ride? My pilates teacher does ride and the focus is on mobility of the back, hips and rib cage and strength in the core muscles.

I agree though the core does wrap around into the back. If only using the back to stabilize, then definitelt a weak inner core.

My PT doesn't ride but they have had several clients who are riders. My PT was a world kickboxing champion, recently had a hip replacement, and is looking to compete again!!

The focus for me is the inner core strength, outer thigh and glutes (I am so glad to have a new program that does not include bulgarian lunges lol!), scapula, pecs, and procepriopation/stability (bodyblade work is surprisingly difficult!!!). I have hip, pelvis, glute, shoulder/collarbone issues (some related and some not) and did have major foot issues at one point as well which is now much more manageable. I also had zero neuromuscular connection to my scapula on my wonky shoulder but I now have regular movement and the muscle development is coming along very nicely!! There is also lot of focus in mobilization work and stretching (I have come to make friends with the Orb ball and my roller) which I mostly do myself though is also part of my weekly session.

It has completely transformed how I move in my daily life. I haven't been riding as horse has been off for an extended period but suspect there to be changes there.

 

[marmalade76]

Nope, I've never had a bad back and I think having horses helps by keeping it strong. But I also think being short helps.

 

[scats]

My back is a mess. I’m currently in the middle of a series of NHS Osteo sessions that I go for weekly to try and help it.
I have SI dysfunction and 3 bulging discs, with one on the nerves, so all the surrounding muscles have locked up trying to support everything. I also have a dislocating coccyx as a result of weakened ligaments from, they think, years of riding combined with hypermobility.
I’ve had to sleep sat upright for years, with 5 pillows and a wedge shaped cushion thing for support. I slipped down last night and as a result I was locked in agony in the night.
I’m only 5ft 3 and a bit so I can’t even say my problem is being tall.
Dog grooming certainly hasn’t helped matters but I think years of lifting and riding and falls have caught up with me.

The Osteo I see at the hospital said I have one of the worst backs she’s seen in someone under 40. It’s completely locked rigid. Last week she was practically climbing on top of me, with me hanging off the table, trying to release my lumber spine but it wouldn’t budge.
My mum has a back condition so I think bad genes play a part.

 

[Goldenstar]

Riding mobilises the spine and as long as you are straight it’s good for the back .
There’s no doubt in my case my back is better if I ride .
It’s not the riding that’s the problem it’s the falling off .
And of course hauling bales gates jumps and the the stuff that comes with horses .

 

[Fransurrey]

I have had back problems in the past, but riding helped it until I jolted it by stepping down a hole! Since then, I've kept problems at bay by also running and swimming. Whenever mine feels stiff, a good swim sorts it. I've recently started front crawl improver lessons and yesterday I did some practice drills in the pool and came back to work feeling on top of the world! Everyone in my family has a weak back, but the rest of them don't do ANY exercise. Mine is in the best shape! I'm 47 for context.

 

[Pippity]

My back has improved dramatically since starting physio a few weeks ago. Admittedly, it was in pretty bad shape after shattering a vertebrae a few months back, but I'm amazed how much difference the physio has made. I'll definitely be keeping up the exercises once I'm discharged, and will probably have periodic appointments too. My pain level was a 0 for a few hours yesterday, with only minimal morphine. I'm not sure that's happened since I was a teenager!