Sports: Horseback riding
Some authors affirm that when the horseman/woman rides with hips
and knees slightly bent the load is symmetrically shared on vertebral
and intervertebral disks, suggesting that this factor could improve
load distribution at that moment and relieve pain in some cases,
in the short term.
However, horseback riding is a risk factor for back pain, even
in the absence of falls, and many professionals end up having back
pain.
In the first place, the vibration caused by horseback riding generates
an overload on the intervertebral disk, and this is a risk factor
for future disk degeneration, protrusion
or herniation.
Secondly, the horseman/woman needs to maintain the back straight
even though the horse's movements constantly change the position
of the pelvis. To remain straight up and compensate this effect
the back muscles are constantly working. Also, if a straight posture
is maintained for an excessive amount of time (hyperlordosis),
facet joints are overloaded, resulting in degeneration.
Lastly, the rein movement to stop the horse implies a strain on
the arm and back muscles. This may result in muscle contracture
in the dorsal area, especially in riders without great muscular
strength who ride very strong horses..
It is recommended
To protect intervertebral disks by following an exercise program
to develop the vertebral column musculature. Exercises that are
adequate for some may prove inadequate for others; it is therefore
convenient to undergo a physical examination and a muscle assessment
by a physician to determine the best program for each individual
case.
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