back pain while riding

[jUmPingIsLifE]

I havn't ridden in a LONG time (for me at least). It has been VERY warm the past couple days so the ice in the driveway has melted enough to take autumn out. I hadn't been on 2minutes and the right side of my back was so tense and it ached so bad! i was relaxed i felt fine we even had a short gallop (though not planed it was still fun) the whole ride though my back hurt really bad, any ideas on what to do, anyone else have this? i attached a drawing

like my artistic ability? haha, the line down the middle is supposed to be a spine, and i put in the shoulder blades in too. the red area is where i really tensed up and it started to ache.

[Torny]

Maybe you need to do some excercises to loosen and relax your muscles? and strengthen?
You may be more supple on your left side than your right??

Soz, not very useful imfo.

[helenc]

Treat yourself to a massage!

[taffy]

helenc - very good idea

otherwise do some excercises before you ride or take up yoga !!!!!

[taren-tella]

i often get those pains and it canot be from old age as i am only 14 yrs old lol, i have done gymnastics all my life so i waunder if it is from that but it doesnt hurt it just aches!!

[jUmPingIsLifE]

hmmm i very much like the idea of a message! thanks

[Shiny McShine]

Another idea, check that your saddle is sitting evenly on the horse and is in the correct balance. If the saddle is forcing you to ride in an unatural position it can make your back sore. Also, get someone to check from behind that you are sitting in the centre of the saddle and that your hips and shoulders are level. Collapsing one hip can be a big problem for riders (I know I have that problem) and it can make your back sore and lead to other problems.

If everything it right in those regards then perhaps it just has to do with your fitness and the fact that we are all a bit onesided. It might just be that that side of your back doesn't usually get a work out. :).

[Lovecat]

In addition to Shiny's advice - Seatbone Saver!! I cannot recommend these highly enough, they are fantastic!

I used to get lower back pain every time I cantered or trotted on hard/firm ground in the summer, I bought myself a prolite back protector but it still ached and ached - and then I got the HM Seatbone Saver to try and improve my sitting position (which was terrible!), and the back pain vanished completely - a welcome side affect!