05-29-2014, 11:23 AM
first, sorry for the long post.
Just been diagnosed with lower back arthritis. I had known it was in my neck and upper back for years. xrays just showed it has now invaded muliple discs in my low back and damanged them.
I would not have known this at all except due this winter we had I had not ridden for basically seven months. Five days after I rode I woke up one morning unable to flex at the waist. (I am sure some of this was related to soft tissue since I did no activity at all during our brutal winter). Movement has improved greatly from the first day but not as fast as I would like. I am still limited somewhat in bending, twisting/turning. Not that I ever had full 'normal range' motion to begin with. I have always had tight muscles.
I intend to continue to ride (western) as I am mentally miserable if I do not do so. Riding has kept me sane for 28 years.
I am in physio therapy and take painkillers as needed. I know that I need to reduce the chances of falling while riding by choosing a quiet non spooky horse. I have also found for years, that I need to choice horses that have a certain striding otherwise my neck kills me. Has anyone else ever had to stop riding a particular horse because how they move?
Now with the addition of low back arthritis I am wondering how to get my back to where it can stay soft enough to go with the rhythm of the horse ( trot/canter)and keep pain reduced.
Anyone have suggestions to reduce risks, improve the ability to move with the horse? Lightweight saddle suggestions under 20lbs? Please note, I am not one to join yoga or pilaties classes or the gym. I am too uncomfortable in those situations. No money for them either. What I have goes to the horses. Grin.
thanks.
Just been diagnosed with lower back arthritis. I had known it was in my neck and upper back for years. xrays just showed it has now invaded muliple discs in my low back and damanged them.
I would not have known this at all except due this winter we had I had not ridden for basically seven months. Five days after I rode I woke up one morning unable to flex at the waist. (I am sure some of this was related to soft tissue since I did no activity at all during our brutal winter). Movement has improved greatly from the first day but not as fast as I would like. I am still limited somewhat in bending, twisting/turning. Not that I ever had full 'normal range' motion to begin with. I have always had tight muscles.
I intend to continue to ride (western) as I am mentally miserable if I do not do so. Riding has kept me sane for 28 years.
I am in physio therapy and take painkillers as needed. I know that I need to reduce the chances of falling while riding by choosing a quiet non spooky horse. I have also found for years, that I need to choice horses that have a certain striding otherwise my neck kills me. Has anyone else ever had to stop riding a particular horse because how they move?
Now with the addition of low back arthritis I am wondering how to get my back to where it can stay soft enough to go with the rhythm of the horse ( trot/canter)and keep pain reduced.
Anyone have suggestions to reduce risks, improve the ability to move with the horse? Lightweight saddle suggestions under 20lbs? Please note, I am not one to join yoga or pilaties classes or the gym. I am too uncomfortable in those situations. No money for them either. What I have goes to the horses. Grin.
thanks.