Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 4/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: I was told not to ride, I have c4 c5-c6 bulding from riding fall maybe when it was totally healed,but if i fell on it i would be pralized is this true  peggy  I have been riding very carefully  peggy

ANSWER: Peggy,

Christopher Reeve was paralyzed when he fell from a horse because we wasn't wearing a helmet, and he injured his spinal cord when he fell on his head.

Whilst a fall from a horse might re-aggravate a cervical disc bulge, I find it quite unlikely that it would cause paralysis.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Why do these drs scare us like that   ,Should I not jump  I am also an endurance rider,   distance racing, should I wait with that.  Should  I get tracton  my chiro only adjusts my neck very little bit  peggy

Answer
I think the correct answer to your questions, Peggy, is that you should exercise reasonable and prudent behavior where your recreational activities are concerned.

If you have experienced no ill effects of neck manipulation, if you derive benefit from it, and if you are happy with the work that your chiropractor is providing, then there is no reason to change the treatment plan.

I hope that this answers your question.