You probably already know exercise is good for you. It keeps you limber and strengthens your bones, joints, and soft tissues. However, there is a right way to exercise, and exercising without any guidance can lead to exercise mistakes. Just like any sport, there is proper conditioning, form, and technique in exercise, without which, it could lead to pain and injury.
If you are experiencing pain from a herniated disc, you should be extra careful when exercising to ensure it does not aggravate your condition. There are exercises you should avoid when you have disc bulging, herniation, or a slipped disc. Let’s talk about the exercises that can cause chronic spinal pain.
Exercises To Avoid
There are exercises that may be bad for your back, such as those that can put pressure on nerves and worsen the disc herniation. Examples of such exercises are high-impact activities such as jumping and running, as well as weight-lifting, sit-ups or crunches, planks, push-ups, squats and deadlifts, toe touches, and movements that require you to twist your back. It is best to avoid such exercises as to not make spinal pain worse.
Exercises that may be safe are low-impact exercises, leg-strengthening exercises, and stretches. Walking is a very good form of exercise for anyone with a disc problem. It not only stimulates blood flow but also keeps the discs hydrated. Spinal decompression therapy is a type of traction exercise that involves the use of a motorized device to relieve pain and create the optimal healing environment for bulging discs.
Be extra careful to avoid the following mistakes when exercising:
Poor Form or Technique
There is a correct way to do every exercise. Poor posture and overarching are top causes of back issues. It is best to consult a physical therapist or orthopedic doctor before starting a new exercise, so you can be guided by an expert on how to do it correctly. There is a wealth of exercise videos online that may be tempting to try, but the best and safest exercises are individualized to each person.
Neglecting to Warm-Up and Stretch Before Exercise
Warming up your muscles before exercising is one way to prevent back pain and injuries. Light cardio and stretching exercises help increase blood flow and flexibility of muscles, which are necessary if you want to avoid new injuries.
If exercise is aggravating your spine pain, have yourself evaluated by a spine specialist. Conditions that cause chronic spinal pain include arthritis, spinal stenosis, and disc problems, which can make exercise challenging.
Spine Injury and Pain Treatment in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, and Lapeer, Michigan
Dr. Bradley Ahlgren at Ahlgren Spine is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine specialist who can treat the full range of spine problems, from trauma and injuries to disc problems and stenosis. Dr. Ahlgren will evaluate your pain, determine the cause of it, and prescribe treatments that give you relief, as well as recommendations on how to maintain physical health without worsening your condition.
Your spine is critical to mobility and standing upright, therefore don’t delay treatment if symptoms continue to persist. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahlgren, call our office today at (248) 215-8080 or use our convenient appointment request form.
