Sore Back Musings

Chiropractor Again

My L3 vertebra is the one going out to cause the latest pain. I was OK during the night, then Ok when I got up, but as the day wore on, my back started to bother me more and more until....ah, you cannot say I am not well adjusted at this point. *G*

So, the musing. Minky is right about part of the herd dynamic. The horses definitely do behave differently with each other when I am there. Toby is curious and affectionate, but if he thinks I am going to ask him to work, he keeps his distance. Tucker is decidedly jealous and always wants a part of my attention. Chance stands off to the side, observing, but is always up for a cuddle and will most often come when I call. He will also keep me company if I am doing some kind of work out there. (But I have to be careful where I put my jackets as he will steal them and has ripped the sleeves off one already.)

PJ used to "hang out" when I was working, constantly begging me to give him "chinnies" (Chin rubs) I really do miss that as he was very clear about exactly where he wanted me to scratch him. But, I digress.....

Considering Caroline's concerns about Jazz and the possibilty of ulcers or some other physical problem, I am in complete accord. PJ, Toby, and Tucker all showed what might be characterized as training or behavioral issues due to physical problems. Early on, PJ would balk due to chronic muscle soreness, and later, with training, simply became overly emotional and "nervous," when pressured. I wish I had known then about the ulcer issues as I suspect he was a prime candidate since he was such a perfectionist. Toby would buck and perform badly in dressage competitions when his back or hocks bothered him. Because he is a chronic cribber, I suspect he had ulcers too, but learned about treatment far too late in his career and life to solve the problem even though I have since treated him. The cribbing is a lifelong habit now.

And you know Tucker's story. The ulcer medication made a dramatic difference in him. I still must deal with the stifle soreness which crops up when he is not sufficiently fit, but I spent years dealing with the same thing with Russell R, so I know it is very manageable.

Physical problems make a difference in the way my brain works, that's for sure. When I was sick last year, I became very introverted and began to focus soley on my problems rather than the world at large. With my sore back now, I am finding it a chore to do some basic tasks and my teaching enthusiasm at school is certainly lacking. Why should a horse be any different?