RIDING SEASON: KEEPING YOUR BACK AND HIPS COMFORTABLE IN THE SADDLE

Riding works your core, hips and back for the whole time you are in the saddle. Every stride sends motion up through your pelvis and spine. Riders often notice low back stiffness, tight hips and sore inner thighs, especially early in the season or after a long ride.

Habits that help

• Warm up your hips and back with a few minutes of walking and gentle stretches before you mount
• Use a mounting block so you are not twisting and pulling up from the ground
• Check that your stirrup length lets your legs hang without straining
• Build up ride length gradually after time off
• Stretch hips, hamstrings and lower back after you ride

After a fall

If you hit your head, lost consciousness, or have neck pain, numbness or weakness after a fall, get checked by a doctor right away, before seeing a chiropractor.

When to come in

For ongoing low back, hip or neck stiffness from riding, we check how your pelvis and spine are moving and treat what we find with gentle adjustments, massage and simple exercises. See chiropractic care and massage therapy.