Muscle Strain and Soreness in the Backs of Horses

Muscle injury is probably the most common cause of back soreness in horses. Usually the longissimus dorsi muscle, which extends and laterally flexes the vertebral column, is involved. All or part of the longissimus muscles can be strained during ridden exercise. Clinical signs are associated with altered performance and acute or chronic back pain.

The principal sites of back soreness are the caudal withers and cranial lumbar regions (just in front of and behind the saddle area). Most of these injuries respond to rest, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants, shock wave therapy, and physiotherapy; however, several weeks of rest might be needed for full recovery.

Abnormalities of the thoracolumbar musculature also frequently occur in exertional rhabdomyolysis (tying-up syndrome).

Also see Myopathies in Horses.