Slipped disc and back to riding?

[ShowJumperBeckii]

Hello!
I managed to slipped the disc at L2 and L3 in the gym, was unable to move and ended up having to have a lot of drugs to get me to hospital.
Obviously it’s early days wnd am still struggling to move and am using crutches for support and have been told 4-6 weeks for full recovery.
But just wondering if anyone had same/similar injury? And how long til you where back riding? (And jumping)
I am being sensible and of course not rushing back to anything as don’t wish to make anything worse and end up having even longer off, just wondering what kind of time frame it took others?

 

[AntiPuck]

It took me almost a year to walk normally again after a similar injury. I didn't attempt to ride until about a year and a half later (no opportunity to) and it was fine, riding didn't seem to cause nearly as many issues as just walking did, but I would get sciatica in a GP saddle after an hour (switched to a TCS saddle and no more pain on longer rides). I went to a riding simulator for the first ride to test out whether it would hurt or not, so might be an idea.

At a year and a half in I also started doing pilates regularly at home and that has made a huge difference - before that I was doing exercises from the physio and Osteo daily but they never quite made the same impact. I now do the Rider Pilates Club courses and they're excellent and only 25 mins per day, which seems to keep the injury and resulting sciatica in check.

Other than that, it has been a case of walking as much as possible and avoiding sitting in chairs for any length of time. I had to get lumbar supports for use with chairs and especially the car seat as well, otherwise it pains the injury.

 

[Katieg123]

Not really to do with slipped disc but more any injury - if your horse is having time off while you heal up, have someone else do the first few rides when you're ready to start up again. No point getting chucked off and injuring yourself further!

 

[HappyHollyDays]

I slipped a disc 5 years ago, struggled on in agony for a few days and then gave in and laid flat on the floor for 6 weeks. It mended but it can be very troublesome and I’ve not ridden since last August although I do everything else as normal. I found the best way to fix it was by having twice weekly deep tissue manipulation for 6 weeks once I could bear anyone to touch it to ensure I was straight alongside Pilates. Sadly my lovely back lady retired and I’ve yet to find another one anywhere near as good so I do strengthen exercises and stretching but I’m a bit wonky so need to start Pilates again properly.

 

[blitznbobs]

Hello!
I managed to slipped the disc at L2 and L3 in the gym, was unable to move and ended up having to have a lot of drugs to get me to hospital.
Obviously it’s early days wnd am still struggling to move and am using crutches for support and have been told 4-6 weeks for full recovery.
But just wondering if anyone had same/similar injury? And how long til you where back riding? (And jumping)
I am being sensible and of course not rushing back to anything as don’t wish to make anything worse and end up having even longer off, just wondering what kind of time frame it took others?

Whoever told you it was 6 weeks to full recovery doesnt understand the pathology of the illness. Slipped discs are actually burst discs and can take up to 2 years to fully resolve. This doesnt mean you will be in pain that long nor that you wont be able to ride and exercise is incredibly important to recovery as you will need to strengthen the muscles in your back to support your spine. So gentle riding will be great for this. So when you are comfortable enough gentle walk work will be a good test of if you are ready to start work. It probably depends on your horse if its happy to hack round the lanes then great if it’s inclined to throw shapes probably waiting longer is wise

 

[BBP]

Way too soon. L4/L5 prolapse. Probably riding the crazy BBP (in walk) within 2 weeks despite being in agony. Mostly because I was stupid and it didn't occur to me not to. I was also working as a personal trainer, aerialist and learning to trick ride so kept going. But I was in tears every single day from the pain. I'm absolutely convinced that it is the reason I suffered for at least 3 years, couldn't stand upright for minutes after sitting down and had dreadful sciatica/ a significant limp for that whole time. Stomach ulcers from all the ibuprofen I took every day for years. Had I actually rested I would have been in a much better state I'm sure.

Weirdly, riding was the most comfortable I could get, better than standing, sitting or walking (barring BBP's jolts and spooks)

 

[ShowJumperBeckii]

The these time lengths are a little disappointing but I obviously don’t want to rush into anything as obviously need to get back to work ASAP too, (don’t work not paid kinda job). Luckily my partner will do the riding so the horse can stay in full work, but unfortunately not the type of horse you can get on and bimble around on!
I was told in a&e by the doctors 4-6 recovery and I’ll be doing everything I could before just not at the same level(ie gym will have be toned right down etc) it will all need building up! I have an away show booked in 6 weeks away which I’m very keen to get back for! But maybe I won’t get my hopes up just yet!
thank you for taking your time to reply!