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Hi, I'm new here. I have mild to moderate stenosis in L1-L5 and moderate to severe cervical stenosis in C3,C4, C5 & C6. I've lost 50-60% of the muscle function in my left leg and arm, now it's starting to effect my right leg too.
My PT told me when I started with him 3 months ago that I needed to give up horseback riding. Which is, of course, my favorite activity. When he told me this we didn't even know that I had cervical stenosis, let alone that it was severe. I have an appt with a neurologist in 3 weeks to explore my options.
Does anybody out there know if I truly have to give up riding? If I am careful, riding actually makes me feel better physically and certainly emotionally. I'll sell my horses if it means I will continue to loss function, but will not if it's only to cause less pain. The pain is bad but hey, horses are worth it 
I'd really like to hear from some of you that have dealt with this rotten condition. Thanks ;o)
Lauren
DDD, Moderate to severe stenosis C3-C6, Mild to moderate stenosis L1-L5, buldging discs, pain around all major joints, numbness in extremities and face, 50% loss of function in left leg, some in left arm and right extremities. Plantar fascitis, carpel tunnel, tennis elbow and bursitis.
Meds include Norflex, Mobic & Celexa.
I'm released from PT aftercare and am swimming 3/4 of a mile 2x a week. Next week to replace the PT I start a pilates class!
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This is my question too. I've got my mare up for sale, but do I buy the new horse I'm looking at or pack it in? Without riding and horses my life will be sooo empty! On the other hand, I don't want to suffer more pain for more years than absolutely necessary...what say you, the experts? Shira
HI Shira,
I have a feeling that us horse lovers are willing to put up with a lot to be able to continue to ride. It's so much more than just riding, it's the partnership with our horse and the social aspect with friends, it's the quite of the barn and the welcoming nicker when they hear you coming, the beauty of a trail that you could never get to on foot. Only riders understand the deep soul satisfaction of being around horses. I will figure out how to put up and deal with pain to continue riding. My main question.....will it cause permanent damage. Not sure that I'm willing to end up in a wheelchair....
Good luck Shira. I'll let you know what the Neuro says and share any info I get that might be of help to you ;o)
Lauren
DDD, Moderate to severe stenosis C3-C6, Mild to moderate stenosis L1-L5, buldging discs, pain around all major joints, numbness in extremities and face, 50% loss of function in left leg, some in left arm and right extremities. Plantar fascitis, carpel tunnel, tennis elbow and bursitis.
Meds include Norflex, Mobic & Celexa.
I'm released from PT aftercare and am swimming 3/4 of a mile 2x a week. Next week to replace the PT I start a pilates class!
Hello,
Iam not sure that riding would do the perm. damage but it's the what if fact. I have horses also and was told it is not a good idea because if there was an accident and I went off that could cause life threatning problems. You know you could have the most gentle horse in the world but there is also things that can happen out of your control. I made the choice not to ride anymore because it wasn't worth the risk to me. I think you need to weigh all of the pro's and con's and ask yourself if it is worth the chance......
Good Luck
42 year old female with c3-c7 fusion, Have had 3 surgeries in the last 15 months.Had infection at the iliac crest sight and had to have surgery 1 month after neck surgery to debred and jackson prat tubes placed. I have tried spinal shots, didn't help me.Medications for chronic pain: Percocet, Soma, Neurotin, (next step is a pain pump)I have bone spurring,DDD,spinal stenosis, ossification,at the 4-5 fusion there is almost complete loss of CSF.At T7-8 level I have protrusion that indents the thecal sac.I have had to quit work, I loved my job....
Thanks for the imput. Pretty much the same thing my PT told me. Funny thing is, riding is such a stress reliever for me that I feel better after I've ridden. Well...that is as long as it's a "quiet" ride..ha!
While I agree that horse accidents are common no matter how gentle the horse or how good a rider one is, I could get hit walking across the street. Guess that's not too convincing of an argument is it? I just don't think I'm willing to give up riding to avoid an accident. That being said, losing function is not an option and I will quit riding if I'm convinced that the jarring alone will cause damage in and of itself.
I see a neurologist on the 25th. She's an OD as well so I feel very confident that I can trust her recommendations on activities and that she won't recommend surgery unless it's absolutely needed.
Thanks again for your imput ;o)
Lauren
DDD, Moderate to severe stenosis C3-C6, Mild to moderate stenosis L1-L5, buldging discs, pain around all major joints, numbness in extremities and face, 50% loss of function in left leg, some in left arm and right extremities. Plantar fascitis, carpel tunnel, tennis elbow and bursitis.
Meds include Norflex, Mobic & Celexa.
I'm released from PT aftercare and am swimming 3/4 of a mile 2x a week. Next week to replace the PT I start a pilates class!