Scoliosis & Riding

[donnacoyote]

Hello all,

I've been reading this forum for a while but decided to post today. I began lessons in May as a 40th Birthday present to myself. I can't remember when in my life I've ever gave up hope for owning a horse. Right now I'm saftisfied taking lessons--although when my favorite school horse was sold I couldn't choke back the tears. Does anyone, of a certain age, ride who has scoliosis? So far I only had one early lesson that caused me pain (besides the usual muscle building) but I'm only walking & trotting. I'm just would like to commisserate and maybe get some advice from riders with not-so-straight spines. Right now I'm taking a break to have foot surgery and won't be back in the saddle until Feburary, maybe January.

[farm-girl]

bad luck. my friend had 'S' scoliocis (two bends) and had to have a brace for four years, and the only riding she could do was gentle walking, of a VERY gentle rising trot.

[donnacoyote]

Does anyone have any info as to what to do to help?

[Sassafras]

Hello donnacoyote and welcome back to riding! I'm 46 and just started riding this past year, and although I don't have scoliosis, I do have other back/neck problems that cause me pain while riding. Just last week I had to take five days off riding because of a stiff neck, but am back to it now. Have you put your hands on a copy of Sally Swift's book called "Centered Riding" yet? She has scoliosis, and I found her techniques to be quite helpful, as an extra aid to the lessons I take. Her theory is that if you're riding in a balanced position, not only will your horse respond better to you but your body won't be as stressed and can be pain free. It's something we will always work on, not just while riding, but while walking, standing sitting, etc. Her visualizations are terrific; I highly recommend it. Long soaks in a hot bath after riding and an occasional massage if you have the opportunity are excellent ways of reducing muscle fatigue and pain too! Good luck with your foot surgery...

[donnacoyote]

Thanks Sassafras!

Yes, I do have the 1st Sally Swift book. It is great! To be quite honest, I haven't had too much pain from riding. I guess I'm worried about folks telling me not to(chiropracter)
I have more pain and misery when I sit at my desk all day.
Recently, I found a study on therapy riding for children with cerebral palsy, many of whom have severe curvatures. In one case a boy's muscles actually relaxed on the side of spasm.

Do you have any information about the exercises Sally used to strengthen and stabilize her muscles? She talks about working with someone in the book.

Thanks again, and hey where are you from in NY?

[Sassafras]

I'm from Cortlandt Manor, Westchester County, NY - about an hour north of NYC. What part of PA are you from?
I wish I had more info for you on the exercises recommended for scoliosis but I don't. I know what you mean, though, about sitting at a desk being more painful than being on the back of a horse. Anything that is good for the mind and soul has got to be good for the body, right?
Well good luck with your riding and keep me posted on your progress. And Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

[HorseHappy]

I'm 42 and just started riding a few months ago. I was experiencing some back problems prior to riding but it is almost totally gone now.

I'm riding 2x week. I believe that my stomach muscles are getting stronger from posting and that really helps my back. My orthopedist said that strong abdominal muscles are one of the keys to fixing and/or avoiding back problems.

I also have been doing the exercises in Sally Swift's Centered Riding and really concentrating on my balance. I doubt that your physician will ask you to stop riding unless it is causing you to have more pain.

Good luck!!

[donnacoyote]

Thanks both of you for your encouragement.
Good Luck to both & Keep enjoying life!

Sasafras: I'm in Harrisburg, PA--famous for 3-mile island.
It's actually pretty nice; lots of horses!

But I'm originally from NY, moving from city to Binghamton(quite north of Manhatten).