Weight Lifting with a Herniated Disc

San Francisco Chiropractor and Herniated Disc Doctor Comments:

I guess if you know you have a herniated disc in your low back...or in your neck...you had an MRI at some point. Actually, x-rays and positive orthopedic tests for disc pathology are usually a pretty reliable indicator also. Either way...you had some sort of episode of low back or neck pain, that was diagnosed as a herniated disc. So now what?

Well...most of the time the back pain or neck pain resolves with conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, physical therapy, or medications. We treat many patients (that lift weights) with herniated discs at Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco. Most of the time we are successful with treatment outcomes.   

But what about the disc herniation...it's still there...can I lift weights?

Probably (see a good chiropractor)...as long as you are careful not to do exercises that could put too much stress on the herniated disc. If your disc herniation is in the low back...I would avoid squats, presses behind neck, and low back extensions...and I would be careful with everything else. avoid exercises that cause pain.

If you have a herniated disc in the neck...I would avoid presses behind neck, heavy shoulder presses, and neck extensions with weights. Go nice and easy with everything else. Use lots of dumbbells and cables.

Sit-ups are OK with really good form...no pulling on the neck...nice and slow...squeeze the abs on each rep.  A strong abdominal region and core will help stabilize the low back...and neck.   

On the other hand...If your disc pain symptoms are persistent and are not responding to conservative treatments...I would think twice about weightlifting...unless it gives you symptomatic relief...which can happen.

And...just remember...there are lots of exercises to choose from...so do the ones that don't hurt.

The worst thing you can do is think you can weight lift your way through back or neck pain, and that it will make your back stronger. This could lead to serious injury.

So yes...you can lift weights with a herniated disc...but just use common sense...and preferably, expert advice.

If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for care at our SF Financial District Chiropractic Clinic...simply call 415-392-2225, press 1 (24 hr live operator). Ask for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Eben Davis.

Comments

[Injuneer]

Thanks for posting this. I hurt myself a couple of days ago and am not sure if its a strained muscle or herniated disc (C6-C7). My biggest fear is not being able to lift any more. I can deal with a little pain.... This really helps me psychologically. - Thanks

[Martina]

This is my first comment for the Weight Lifting with a Herniated Disc for me wish he all the best.

[Martina]

I guess if you know you have a herniated disc in your low back.

[Andrew]

Thanks for posting this! I recently suffered a herniated disc (L5-S1), and have been frustrated by the lack of resources on the internet about the possibility of returning to an active lifestyle involving sports and lifting. Most sites focus entirely on a return to "normal" activities, which I interpret to mean walking and sitting, and ignore entirely the concerns of those who are accustomed to demanding more from their bodies. Rigorous exercise is extremely important to many. A few follow-ups:

How soon can someone with a moderately, centrally herniated L5-S1 disc return to running, and lifting (avoiding exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and rear military presses)?

Does the annulus fibrosis ever heal completely, or will it always be weakened?

[Dr. Eben Davis]

Hi Andrew,

Everyone is different...,but yes, the discs can heal. You have to test your limits and work on your weak areas. Core exercises are key. If you want more you can consider nonsurgical disc repair with the DRX9000. Weightlifting is good for the back if not over-done.

[Joe Baker]

I have a herniated disc between L4 and L5.

Prior to herniating this disc, I was an avid runner and ran 4 miles a day.

Is this still possible for me?

Now when I run 3-4 miles, it takes me a week to recover whereas before the disc herniation, I could run 4 miles at least 5 days a week.

[dr. eben davis]

it's possible if you take action to actually heal the spinal disc...like nonsurgical spinal decompression. it may be worth a shot. if it helps, great. if not, at least you tried.