Degenerative spondyloarthropathy of the cervical and lumbar spine in jockeys

This prospective study analyzed the long-term effects of horse riding on th e cervical and lumbar spine of jockeys. Thirty-two jockeys were observed fo r 13 years. All jockeys had clinical and radiographic evaluation of the spi ne; three consecutive age groups were studied. Results were compared to age -matched, normal population control groups. The incidence of degenerative c hanges of the spine was higher in the jockeys compared with the control gro ups and was more prominent in the older age group for both the lumbar and c ervical spine. These findings suggest that equestrian sports, particularly professional horse riding, apart from the increased risk of direct spinal i njury caused by a fall from the horse, can lead to progressive spine degene ration as a result of repetitive trauma and increased physical stress on th e spine.