“Can exercises make my disc hernia worse?”

Disc herniations arise from damage to the annulus.  The annulus is a multi layer ring structure sort of like steel belts in your tires.   It holds the nucleus pulpusis or the gel like structure in the center of the disc in place.  The Spinal vertebra pivot on this nucleus.   Ok now we understand the anatomy we can answer the question.   Anything that increases the pressure in the disc can damage those rings and allow the nucleus to bulge or herniate.   This can put pressure on the nerve or cord and produce pain typically goi g down the leg.  So exercises that increases  pressures on the disc are not good especially during active treatments or the acute stage of care.  This is because they can cause further outward migration of the disc further aggravating the nerve.  So dead lifting, heavy squatting, leg press, jogging, plyometrics and the like are  are not recommended.  Yoga, walking, swimming, stretching are OK.   But as always if there is pain stop.  Try Spinal decompression coupled with shock wave therapy and adjustments.  I get GREAT RESULTS with these treatments.  Sent from my Galaxy

So, the answer to this question is predicated on a number of things. Regarding the hernia itself, a couple of questions immediately come to mind: Is the hernia new and was there acute injury that created it? Can you perform and complete all of your basic daily activities without exacerbating your pain? What is the level of pain and dysfunction you are in? Is there nerve involvement? And then of course we must ask, exactly what type of exercise are we looking to do? Exercise can range from walking and very light stretching to weight training, aerobic classes or even playing a sport. The only real way to determine the potential for further injury of your disc with exercise is to be evaluated by a doctor who cares for spines and is experienced in rehabilitative exercise and their progressions. Wrong exercises and/or wrong timing of doing specific exercises can certainly worsen a disc problem. With all of that said, I will say that ultimately, exercise is exactly what will be necessary to get your spine stabile and strong. First and generally speaking, it will be with rehabilitative exercises that are progressive in building stabilizing strength and mobility which can blend into functionally oriented exercises for ones usual activities at work, recreation or competitive sport. As a matter of fact, aside from acute trauma creating a disc herniation, most disc problems have been created, at least in large part, by weak and imbalanced musculature around the spine. I know everyone would love a yes or no answer to this question, but its just not possible to do that in good conscious. As a matter of fact, if a doctor answers this question without knowing the answers to the questions listed above, I can honestly say that it would expose him or her to their naiveness of the subject. Like most things in healthcare, this cannot be a one size fits all approach.

Depends on your DISC hernia location and your workout! to save your time, effort, energy and money, it will benefit from taking a full spine x-ray while standing and discussing with a corrective care chiropractor to align your exercise program with your body type so the time and effort and energy you’re spending will be towards correcting the underlying cause, rather than overloading your spine with a possibility of re-injury. Hope this was helpful he could always find me on Instagram. @DrRominaG

Yes, absolutely

It depends on the exercises! Certain, specific exercises, actually can improve the symptoms associated with the disc. Those include, but are not limited to, McKenzie back exercises, core strengthening and hamstring stretching. Overall cardiovascular health is helpful as well. High intense activities that act to compress the spine, such as back squats, squat box jumps, and dead lifts can actually worsen the problem.

Great question! It depends on how much herniation is present and what type of exercises you are doing. Until it settles don’t go into high intensity exercises. You are going to find your own limits. Slow and steady will get you there.

It would depend on how severe your disc herniating is and what exercise. I would recommend starting with short distance walking. Then, see either a reputable Chiropractor or Physical Therapist for professional help in getting your “disc hernia” better.

Hello
Proper evaluation with a chiropractic physician can further determine proper treatment including exercises.

Yes, but it is important to strengthen & correct the compensation patterns.

Best would be through good quality physical therapy.

Depends on the type of exercise.