Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

I'm 42 years old and have had chronic low back pain for approx 8 years 
since a horse threw me and I twisted my lower spine. I still have pain 
to this day despite regular monthly chiropractic adjustments, 
therapeutic massage twice a month, heat packs when needed, stretching 
exercises and I take 500 mg Naprosyn and 750 mg Robaxin at night.

In Dec 2004 I had an MRI of the lumbar spine and the MRI report said 
there were no abnormalities. I never saw the actual MRI itself. The 
Xrays I had at that time showed osteoarthritis of the spine, which I was 
told is part of the normal aging process.

I was told by my chiropractor that I should not ride horses because it 
was not good for my spine. However, I chose to ignore the advice and 
continued riding even though I still have sciatic pain that starts in 
the lumbar area and extends down both legs to the top of my feet. For 
every hour I ride, I hurt for about a week. I've even tried not riding 
for a few months, but I still have pain everyday. So I stay as active as 
I can by keeping busy with chores, taking care of the horses and still 
occasionally ride etc.

In July 2005 I started having frequent burning and numbness in my feet. 
A new MRI of the lumbar spine showed Degenerative Disc disease in L3-L4 
through L5-S1. There is also bulging discs in that area. The neurologist 
who ordered this MRI, said a spinal epidural cortisone steroid injection 
might help with the pain and reduce inflammation.

Because everything has to go through our HMO for approval, I now have an 
appointment on Oct 6, 2005 for pain management evaluation. They are the 
ones who have to assess whether or not a cortisone steroid injection 
would work for my condition. Then they will submit a request for that.

But I was told by the neurologist and my chiropractor, if I have the 
spinal cortisone injection (which I'm still considering) and the 
inflammation goes away, if I continue riding horses it could cause 
permanent damage to my spine because of the DDD.

I am not sure what to believe, the doctors who have warned me of the 
risks if I continue to ride because I have Degenerative Disc Disease. Or 
all the people here who’ve had chronic back pain, have done surgery or 
other types of treatments and say they’re able to ride again?? Is there 
anyone with severe lower back problems who still ride but also still 
suffer from debilitating pain the way I do?

Thank you for whatever information you can help me with, Lyn



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