Our Fallbrook and Temecula chiropractor, Dr. Dean Robinson, treats patients for back pain and orthopedic problems of all types. From basic chiropractic wellness care to accident injury right through the entire rehabilitation process, we at Fallbrook and Temecula Spine Centers in California are here to help! We have been seeing an increasing number of equestrians here at our Fallbrook chiropractor and we wanted to dedicate today's blog entry to talking about horseback riding and how chiropractic care can help.

Back Pain or Other Orthopedic Issues

Horseback riders may suffer from back pain or other orthopedic issues, but may not know why it happens. Riding on the back of a fast and powerful half-ton beast severely tests a relatively frail human frame. It only takes a short while to find a problem with your knees or back, for instance, if those joints can’t keep up with the repeated changes in weight distribution.

This happens because the stabilizing movements the human body makes when the horse trots, canters, or gallops cause repeated stress to the spinal column (and legs and arms). The constant motion of weight transfer (from the buttocks muscles down to the leg muscles) causes the human spine (and other joints) to absorb a great deal of stress. Additionally, many horseback riders tend to favor one side over the other, which can put extra stress on the rider’s joints and will cause further misalignment/injury.

Many doctors simply tell equestrians they must stop riding! But, not Dr. Robinson. He tells his patient that (aside from falling off, getting stepped on, or kicked) horseback riding is not only “o.k.” but is recommended as part of their rehabilitation effort.

An optimal riding experience (for both you and your horse) depends on the rider and horse moving in concert. You can’t jig when the horse jags! In order for this to occur, the joints in your arms, legs and spine must all function properly and that’s where we come in.

Our chiropractor and staff are skilled at using chiropractic methods to help with problems resulting from horseback riding. Spinal alignment is an important part of this process and regular riders will especially benefit from regular wellness care. Additionally, our chiropractor may use other methods of healing including physiotherapy, spinal decompression, prescribed exercises, and rehab programs where needed.

Are you an equestrian who has used chiropractic? Please tell us your story!