bodybuildingCan someone with a mild L5-S1 bulgin disk can still hit the gym for weigt training.
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I've read on forums on several bodybuilding sites that there are still people lifting weights even they have bulging/herniated disks. Last March, 2011 I was diagnosed of L5-S1 bulging disk. The doctor said its treatable and all I have to do is proper posture in every body movement I'll do. I stopped lifting right away after the diagnose. I decided to forget about ever hitting the gym for a year which really have me gaining weight. I can't run or jog. I can't play basketball anymore. It's a big change of lifestyle. There are several exercises I can do to heal my disk but I'm not really confident to start with any of them. I know I have to do some as soon as possible.
By John Gerald Jamilosa – almost 2 years ago
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You really need to see a skilled professional who understands spinal loading AS IT RELATES TO WEIGHT TRAINING. IMO, any 'spinal specialist' (chiro, osteo, physio, etc) that doesn't actively train with freeweights is at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to working with and treating those patients that need quality rehab and training advice.
For example, belt squats may be the right exercise for you to train the lower body, without further exacerbating your discal degeneration. Or you may find (like I have) that the static lunge/split squat works well, because it forces the pelvis into a more neutral position, reducing compressive loading on the facet joints.
But even above all this training stuff, you NEED assessment and advice from a professional, IN PERSON, not just from faceless internet personae like me ;)
With the right coaching and help, you should be able to perform a level of intensity high enough to develop your physique. Personally I took my body from 85kg to 99kg, still with single digit BF%, without making my back issues appreciable worse (even better on some days :) ).
If I can do it, you can too. Start by reading 'ultimate back fitness' by Stuart McGill. His stuff is recognised throughout the industry as 'gold'.
Become master of your own condition and you will win!
Human Performance Consultant
If you are an athlete, you can't stop every time you have an injury or, you will pretty much barely workout. Go in the locker rooms in the Olympics and you see how some of these athletes are held together by tape and balm.
Alex is right about seeking advice. Keep in mind that you still need to find a doc that gives you a "yes" and takes an interest in you. (If that's possible under the current health care plans these days...)
The outlook for you is positive.. Yes, positive... Believe you will get better and seek like minded pros to help you.
Louie Simmons, known for Westside Barbell in Columbus Ohio and cranking out more record powerlifters than anywhere, ruptured his L4 and L5 discs.. He was told to "hang low" and well, of course he didn't listen. He invented his own rehab machine and got back in the game. The machine is called the Reverse Hyper and is used now for some rehab and strength work(for healthy athletes). I have on in my gym.
That story was for motivation, don't go crazy.. Take one step at a time. Good luck.
Fitness Professional
Human Performance Consultant
Thank you Michael and Alex, its very difficult to add to what you guys have said. What I would say is that in absence of Cauda Equina, and having been diagnosed with a "mild" protrusion, you should never have stopped training. Spinal ligament health is crucial to reducing the chronicity of back problems, and you are now left with the problem of dealing with a weak back which is a much more challenging position to be in.
I would have to agree with Alex that in this situation, seeing a professional with experience in back injury rehabilitation and corrective exercise would benefit you no end.
The answer to your question is that yes you can weight train, and yes you should weight train, but you need some guidance in order to do that.
Health and Fitness Doctor
Indeed, certain intersegmental muscles such as the multifidus have been shown to atrophy (shrink) by up to 50% IN AS LITTLE AS 7 DAYS!
The situation is worsened if the muscle is in spasm. In fact, there is a valid (IMO) use for muscle relaxants in the acute stage, to try and break the cycle of spasm/hypertonicity. The spasm may (or may not) cause vertebral joints to become fixed in place, altering your biomechanics and placing undue strain on other areas of the kinetic chain. A competant spinal specialist should be able to free these off (as long as it's not contra-indicated), but most won't be able to offer you the kind of in-dept guidance you need to maintain your lifting career, sadly.
Human Performance Consultant
Dan, I got scared coz I felt like my lifespan will be shorten hahaha that's why I stopped and 1 year of rest will give me enough courage to hit the weights again. I hid all my supplements, set aside the gloves and (not to ignore) refrain from reading articles about bodybuilding and checkin on my idols.
Hey Mic, Alex and Dan, again thanks so much!
Herniated discs are a major cause of disability in people under 45.
I am one of those people.
For the past 3 years I suffer L5S1 disc hernia, the most common type of hernia.
But each case is slightly different and that makes it very difficult to treat.
In my case I also have hyperlordosis, scoliosis and spina bifida.
I have been trying countless treatments and supposed cures. I was often left in disappointment but fortunately found some sources of relief.
I'm not a doctor, just a student with lots of experience with a mother which is a doctor.
At this time, despite my efforts, I have reached a point where I need surgery.
But if I have had the experience and the knowledge I have now I could have avoided this complicated situation for sure.
That's why I made a PDF with my experience and everything I’ve investigated and used to relieve my pain over the years.
I offer this guide for FREE to those who ask me by mail to this address.
dibujantesautocadrb(at)gmail(dot)com
Since my insurance does not cover this type of operation I'm asking for help through the IndieGoGo platform. Through a donation you can get the PDF, “Herniated Disc Pain Relief and Treatments Guide”. Through this platform I will also answer any questions you may have about the subject.
If you share this link, make a donation or just give it a like on facebook or tweeter you’d be helping me greatly.
w w w (dot)indiegogo(dot)com/herniatesdiscrelief
There I explain who I am and where I come from, watch it if you can and share it if you like it.