“Can running hurt a bulging disc?”
I am a 64 year old male and I have a bulging disc. Can running hurt a bulging disc?
6 Answers
It depends on the size of your bulging disc. Age related changes in the spine (which include disk bulges) start in our 20s. That means that in their 60s most people have at least a couple of bulging discs. Chances of running causing you symptoms due to your bulging disc are low but this chances go up, with larger disc bulges.
Yes.
Running is not good for a bulging disc due to the high impact. Should do low impact activities such as biking, elliptical, or swimming.
Good luck,
Dr. True
Good luck,
Dr. True
Low impact activities are best for exercising with a herniated disc. Running may not necessarily hurt the herniated disc depending on the size of the herniation, but if you are trying to avoid exacerbating the issue, best to stick to low impact activities like cycling.
Yes, running could aggravate a bulging disc. Running causes 2-4 x your body weight to go through your legs and back. Low impact exercises such as walking, biking, elliptical, swimming are less likely to aggravate the disc.
No two bulging disc are the same. It depends on the proportion of disc bulge you have compared to your spine and the disc bulge as well as the episodes of pain it is giving you. Running can exacerbate a bulging disc as your body behaves like a two body system and irritates a bulging disc in your lower spine as your run on uneven surfaces or increase your pace.
