December 2013 – Irene Pastore Fitness

Back Care for Equestrians

December 27, 2013

THE EQUESTRIAN AND BACK PAIN

Riding is a strenuous sport that requires the equestrian to maintain a neutral spine, while sitting in the English or Western saddle.

The saddle, is literally a backless chair, offering no support for the spine. The rider must generate support using strong core muscles.

Little needs to be said about the debilitating effects of back pain for equestrians. No one wants to, or should ride, when in pain. The more uncomfortable you are, the less you’ll be able to enjoy being with your horse. He’ll miss you too.

Learning what causes back pain, and taking preventive measures, will bring many happy riding years. The easiest, and most cost-effective solution, is exercise.

PREVENTION THROUGH CORE TRAINING EXERCISE

Regular exercise is highly recommended for prevention of back pain, and maintaining a healthy back.

Pilates and Yoga keeps riders both strong and flexible. Pilates strengthens your back and abs, Yoga stretches critical areas important for riding, as well as developing tranquility.

Fitness-derived core exercises are an excellent method to strengthen and stretch muscles that are vital for riders.

COMMON CAUSES OF BACK PAIN

Muscle spasm
Awkward twisting, or bending motions
Incorrect lifting a heavy object
Spinal trauma
Bending down and abrupt turning around
Muscle imbalance
Coughing or sneezing
Prolonged sitting
Sports injuries
Aging
Overweight and obesity
Poor sitting or standing posture
Arthritis

FACTS ABOUT BACK PAIN

Back Pain is one of the most common causes of doctor’s visits in the United States
Back Pain affects most people at least once during their lifetime.
Untreated back pain can make daily activities difficult or impossible.
Back pain affects about 60 to 80 percent of American adults,
More than 26 million Americans between the ages of 20-64 experience frequent back pain.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work.
Low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide.
Americans spend at least $50 billion yearly on back pain.

From the American Chiropractic Association and The American Academy of Pain Medicine

STANDARD MEDICAL SOLUTIONS

Over-the counter pain relievers
Hot or cold packs
Exercise
Medication
Physical therapy
Complementary or alternative treatments
Injections
Surgery

Ten Reasons To Strengthen Your Core

December 21, 2013

What does the core do? Why is it so important?
A strong core stabilizes, and protects your spine. Professional, and recreational athletes with weak core muscles don’t perform optimally, and are more susceptible to injury.

People with physically demanding jobs that require lifting, moving, pushing or pulling, depend on a strong core to stabilize and protect their spine from eventual dysfunction, and subsequent injury, or chronic back pain. Over 80 percent of all Americans have had, or will have, at least one episode of low back pain during their lifetime.

Where is the core located?
The human torso is where the core muscles and bones are found, right between your shoulders and hips.

The Core Region Covers Half Your Body
The core region contains muscles and bones. If you map it out, you’ll find your core muscles, on your abdomen, low back, pelvis and hips. Core bones consist of your spinal column, pelvis and hip joints.

Ten Good Reasons To Strengthen Your Core

To save a trip to the emergency room.
To save time, and money on doctor’s fees, rehab, or surgery.
To avoid chronic low back pain.
To prevent, or rehabilitate an injury.
To improve your ability to generate force and movement during sports.
To avoid on-the-job injury.
To acquire more efficient movement, spinal flexibility and strength.
To improve balance.
To improve physical fitness.
To prevent an overuse injury.

Irene Pastore Fitness

In-Home And Remote Senior Exercise Training

Month: December 2013

Back Care for Equestrians

Ten Reasons To Strengthen Your Core