The Rider's Pain-Free Back: Overcome Chronic Soreness, Injury and Aging, and Stay in the Saddle for Years to Come [Hardcover]

James Warson MD (Author), Ami Hendrickson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2007

Explaining the impact of horseback riding on the human back in easy-to-understand terms, this guide illustrates how various movements in the saddle affect a rider's back and outlines straightforward steps that can be taken immediately to help keep riders ready to saddle up. Too many riders suffer from back injury, stress, or strain and consequently experience pain when in the saddle or are unable to ride at all. This indispensable guide has step-by-step exercises for strengthening the body for riding, guidance on horse selection and tack selection, and tips on which horse sports are appropriate for riders with various back problems. Traditional and alternative treatments for back pain are also discussed, as are the special considerations of pregnant and elderly riders.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Practical information & exercises show riders how to prevent back problems before they have a chance to unseat you."  —Gaitpost

"All the practical information you need to understand the diagnosis and treatment of back pain, whether caused by equestrian pursuits, outside activities, illness or heredity."  —Northwest Rider Magazine

"If you have chronic or acute back pain and are trying to return to the saddle, Warson offers information that'll keep riding a part of your life for a long time."  —Horse & Rider

"From basic anatomy and a thorough explanation of different back problems to a discussion of the physics involved in riding and how they affect a rider's back, Warson paints a clear picture of the stress and strain a spine endures . . . No matter what discipline you ride, this book will help you became stronger and more comfortable. You wouldn't let your horse suffer with aches and pain in his back, so why should you?"  —Chronicle of the Horse

About the Author

James Warson, MD, founder of the Front Range Brain and Spine Surgery center, specializes in equine-related spinal injuries and has presented his findings to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Neurosurgical Society of America. He is a frequent contributor to Discovery.com. He lives in Kamuela, Hawaii. Ami Hendrickson is an author and screenwriter who specializes in teaching workshops on writing and communication skills. She is the coauthor of Clinton Anderson's Downunder Horsemanship, Equitation, Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, and Jumpers. She lives in Coloma, Michigan. 

Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books; 1 edition (July 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570763712
• ISBN-13: 978-1570763717
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 0.7 x 8.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #615,496 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #64 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Injury Prevention
  • #79 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Diseases & Physical Ailments > Backache

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book! July 23, 2007

By S. Shore

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this book pre-order and it arrived very quickly. The author knows his stuff. I am an x-ray tech by trade, so nearly everything I read was understandable to me. He wrote the book so everytone could understand it- medical terms were explained, and there was an extensive glossary of terms. I got the book because my husband suffers badly from back pain and is an avid rider. I occasionally suffer from back pain- usually from doing too much sitting trot. The author was very complete in his assessment of the rider and even the type of horse they should be riding. Fortunately my husband and his horse are a great match, me and my horse aren't so good, but with some work I think we will be OK. The author also went through a series of stretches and also treatment options from traditional to alternative. I found it a very interesting book with a lot of information for anyone who is interested in riding. I even loaned it to my chiropractor who said he would probably get a copy because he treats riders as well.

Happy reading,
Kathy

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars At last a back doctor who doesn't tell me to give up riding!! November 21, 2007

By Vivien Dostine

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Dr Warson is a neurosurgeon and rider - yippee! Someone, who's first reaction is not to blame all your back problems on riding. This book provides an interesting look at your back's anatomy, function and problems (or potential problems). Stretching and strengthening exercises and practical advice on riding as you age (or with back aches).

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than expected November 19, 2007

By Valda Winsloe

Format:Hardcover

I purchased this book sight unseen and really did not expect it to be as substantive as it is. The author is extremely knowledgeable about both riding and rider's back problems. I wish that I had been able to read it years ago.

I recommend this book to every rider, not just those with back problems, since it provides a lot of information on the aging rider's back, and none of us can turn back the clock! Prevention is worth a ton of cure.