Riding again after anterior cervical fusion

[Cassy]

Just wondering if anyone has gone through this surgery and returned to riding. I had C5 & 6 fused using bone from my hip. I am 4 weeks into recovery and due to go back to hospital at 6 weeks for an x ray. I am debating whether to sell my horse but really depends how long it will be before the graft has settled down well enough to allow me to ride.

 

[TheOldTrout]

I'd ask them at the hospital when you go for the x-ray, can you return to riding and if so, when. They'll have the best idea of how well you're healing.

 

[Cassy]

Yes thsnks.I intend asking when I go back. Just wondered if anyone on here had continued riding after surgery had healed.

 

[Neck]

Hi Cassy I 'broke my neck' falling off a horse and had C5 & 6 fused, I also have a titanium plate. Spent 3 months in a brace and it was 7 months before I went back to work. Probably nearly a year before I was back riding
The Surgeon told me you can't stop living life, just try not to fall on your head. This was 20 years ago and never had any pain or problems (actually the hip was painful for a while and can't look over my shoulder as far as most people).
Have ridden ever since. Now mostly trek so sometimes spend 5-6 hours a day in the saddle and my neck has never caused me any problems.