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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Riding Can Be a Real Pain in the Neck

7/2/2012

 
Picture
That's NOT me; that's Homer Simpson.
For those of you that aren't regular readers, I got dumped pretty hard in May at a show and hit my head.  If you'd like to read about it, click here.

I was pretty sore for a few days, but I didn't go to the doctor since it was really just a bunch of bruises and nothing felt broken. My neck was pretty sore, but it got better each day and after a week, it didn't hurt anymore. Without a medical degree, I couldn't be 100% positive, but I was pretty certain I had sustained a whiplash (Cervical acceleration-deceleration).

Two weeks ago I met with Tina Hoover, a saddle fitter, and had my saddle's flocking adjusted.  The saddle was riding too high in the front on Speedy G so she adjusted it so that it would sit lower in the front.  Within two rides on the saddle, I developed moderate neck pain.  By Friday, I had non-stop neck pain accompanied by a pretty decent headache.  I called the chiropractor.

I love my chiropractor.  If you live near Bakersfield and need a good chiropractor, Dr. Brendan Bradley is your guy (661-617-6160).  He is beyond awesome.  I probably like him so much because each time I see him he first asks how my life is going and then he wants to know which horse has done what to me.  This visit was no exception.

I explained the fall from Speedy and the later saddle adjustment.  His look of concern made me worry that my earlier decision to not see him right away was a mistake.  Given the injury site, he felt that an X-ray was prudent. As soon as he flicked on the backlight, even I could tell that my neck wasn't right.  No wonder it hurt!  

And no, that's not me up above!  If I hadn't been so worried about my neck, I would have snapped a photo of my X-ray.  Dr. Bradley would have thought it funny!

The X-ray showed several vertebrae that were definitely out of alignment. Dr. Bradley confirmed that what he was seeing was classic whiplash.  I also complained that my right leg was feeling shorter than usual.  He explained that being shorter on one side is also typical of a whiplash.

The adjustment was painful, but I am a bit of a baby when he has to do my neck.  The instant the adjustment was done, my neck felt so much better. The headache also disappeared, and after a quick check, he determined that my right leg was now even with the left.

I asked him why my neck didn't hurt until just recently.  He thought it was highly possible that the adjustment on my saddle was enough to alter my spine's position in such a way that those vertebrae that were already mis-aligned really started to complain.

When I rode in the saddle the next day, I was able to drop the right stirrup down a hole, and I felt that I could sit deeper in the saddle. 

Moral of the Story: if you get your saddle adjusted to fit your horse, you might also need to get yourself adjusted to fit the saddle!

Kelly link
7/2/2012 03:41:54 am

Interesting how adjusting the saddle threw you out of whack! I have had my share of chiro work (I am stubborn and never go until I am in pain), and I know it will make me feel better but I always tense up - which makes the dr's job harder. Glad you are on the mend!

Karen
7/2/2012 08:07:26 am

I am the same as you are, Kelly; I only go when I am about to die in agony. It drives my chiropractor nuts! I know I'll feel better for having gone in, but I still wait until it almost hurts too much to make the adjustment. He's on vacation right now, but I need a follow up visit when he gets back at the end of the week. Will I go? Probably not! :0) Hubby may force the issue though as he's tired of my whining.

lytha
7/2/2012 07:00:28 am

oh, you got your head x-rayed too! i did a few months back when that standardbred gave me a sprained neck by whacking my face with his neck. i was totally enthralled at seeing my skull for the first time. i asked if i coudl keep it and they said no. but maybe if i ask again? i couldn't drive a car cuz i couldn't turn my head easily so i got three days off, woo!

since i'm on gov't funded health care and going to the doctor is the national pasttime of germany, i just go now, for any little thing. it's pathetic. soooo curious what is happening now in america!

Karen
7/2/2012 08:19:39 am

Unfortunately, Lytha, I have had my head x-rayed numerous times! :0)

In the last three years I've had to replace two helmets due to head injuries. I've been knocked unconscious several times and even suffered a pretty serious bout of amnesia - scary stuff!

I've had MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays from head to toe all thanks to my ponies (both present and past). I've seen more of the inside of my body than I care to! :0)

I am glad your injury turned out to be short-lived. I've "recovered" from all my "owies," but they do leave twinges that are felt now and again.

Regarding health insurance: I have excellent coverage so I can go in for any little thing. I usually only go if A) hubby forces me, B) if I think something is broken, or C) it doesn't improve within 5 - 10 days. I am sure you are aware that health care here is a VERY hot topic right now. President Obama's mandatory health care coverage law was just ruled constitutional this week by the Supreme Court in a 5/4 decision.

Obama's plan is that all Americans are required to have some form of health insurance. The penalty for being uninsured is an added tax at the end of the year (around $700 once the grace period is up). Many people dislike the plan as they don't want to be forced to purchase health care.

I don't have a strong opinion since my health care is funded by my employer. That may change in the near future. Even though my health care is provided for me, I am not opposed to paying for coverage or at least paying co-pays or higher deductibles. Everyone should be able to get an X-ray when needed without going into debt.

How is it that Germany's healthcare is so easy? What are the downsides to the plan?

Sarah link
7/2/2012 08:46:58 am

Yikes! Good thing you got that taken care of. When your husband gives you a hard time, just say "better late than never!" My hubby and I have the same back and forth. ;]

Karen
7/2/2012 09:08:51 am

LOL! That response would get a serious eye roll. :0) He is always certain something on me is about to disintegrate!


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
    ​Welcome to my dressage journey.
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    Photo by Lori Ovanessian

    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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    July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)

    About Izzy

    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

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Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home