The Rider's Pain-Free Back Book - New Edition - by James Warson (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Over 90 percent of the US population seeks help for back pain at one point or another during the course of their life. If you're a horseperson, back pain is of particular concern as it not only robs you of the joys of riding--it threatens your livelihood, as well. From grooming and tacking up, to performing a flawless reining pattern or jumping a clean round, to stacking hay bales or pushing a wheelbarrow, everything we do on and around horses demands a supple, strong, healthy back.

Now, in his unique, easygoing style, Dr. Jim Warson--a neurosurgeon who also happens to be a lifelong horseman--provides 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. More importantly, he shows readers how to prevent back problems before they have a chance to unseat them. This book includes:

• Normal back biology and function
• Congenital conditions, trauma, arthritis, and infection
• Understanding symptoms and pinpointing problem areas
• Tack's impact on the physics of riding
• How your horse's conformation can affect your body
• Traditional and alternative treatments and therapies
• Techniques for saddling and mounting without stress
• Recommendations for pregnant riders.

In addition, Dr. Warson provides a section specifically geared toward improving rider flexibility and strength. You'll find:

• Step-by-step instructions and photo series for 10 stretches and 8 exercises for a healthy, stress-free back, allowing you to not only enjoy your riding but all your day-to-day activities, whatever they may be.
• Over a hundred color photographs and illustrations.





Review Quotes






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

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

I found the book informative and easy to read, and feel that most riders who are either currently experiencing back pain or who would like to prevent it will find useful advice and techniques in its pages. Non-riders may also find this an excellent overview of the anatomy and care of the back. --In Balance Equestrian

Read this book if you enjoy being in the saddle and want to stay there for as many years as you can. --US Dressage Federation Connection

'The Rider's Pain-Free Back is of use to me. I am dedicated to be the best partner for my horse that I can. If you want to learn to improve the care of your body so you can continue to ride into older age -- are willing to do the work -- and are willing to adjust expectations as you age (and are happy to ask one of the younger riders to clean back feet for you because bending, twisting and holding the weight of a hoof just doesn't work on your back anymore), you'll find Dr. Warson's book useful. --Horse Nation








About the Author





Dr. James Warson (ret), began neurosurgery practice in Lexington, Kentucky in 1974. He relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he founded Front Range Brain and Spine Surgery in 1978. He devoted the majority of his practice to spine surgery (performing over 6,000 procedures during his career) and diseases of equestrians caused or aggravated by riding were Dr. Warson's field of expertise. In 1984, Dr. Warson established J & J Farms, where he bred, trained, exhibited, and sold multiple Grand National and World Champion Morgan horses. Today Dr. Warson is based in Fairfax, Virginia, where he is the Mid-Atlantic Medical Director for the Medeval Corporation and serves as Medical Director for Rider Health and Safety with the Western Dressage Association of America. He consults with the US Para-Equestrian Association, NCAA, and American Morgan Horse Association, and is a life-certified horse appraiser. Dr. Warson is a diplomate of the board of Neurological Surgery and a retired Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Ami Hendrickson is an author and screenwriter who specializes in teaching workshops on writing and communication skills. She lives in Coloma, Michigan.