Lumbar spine syndrome and sports

Basically, it should be noted that moderate exercise is welcome for almost all back pain. Especially after a slipped disc, after a certain recovery phase, movement is one of the most important pillars of physiotherapeutic rehabilitation. In addition, with all other forms of chronic back pain, the receipt of the spinal column mobility as well as the general physical fitness is of great importance.

Appropriate strength training enables the body to absorb and dissipate the dynamic forces that occur in everyday life in a more controlled manner and to gently secure the final braking processes. Of course there are better and worse suitable sports for a back pain patient and patients with a lumbar spine syndrome. For example, a freshly operated or conservatively treated disc patient should not start playing golf again too early.

Especially in this type of sport, the extreme rotational movement of the upper body, with the golf clubs as additional lever, causes considerable pressure and, above all, shear stress on the entire back and especially on the lumbar spine. This effect is further aggravated by poorly executed golf technique. For the same reason, tennis, especially competition moderately practiced, is not one of the recommended sports.

Here, too, there is considerable rotational stress on the spine, coupled with the straining overstretching of the back when serving. Both the intervertebral discs and the vertebral joints are put under great strain. Also to be treated with caution are the so-called contact sports in which injuries can occur through physical contact with an opponent, such as soccer or handball.

On the other hand, endurance sports such as walking, Nordic walking and also moderate running are particularly easy on the back. These sports have the common advantage that they put little strain on the spine and that the steady movements result in a continuous change between loading and unloading the intervertebral disc. This is favorable for the nutritional situation of the intervertebral discs in a lumbar spine syndrome, because the intervertebral disc tissue is not supplied with blood and the supply of nutrients for the tissue only takes place through this change between loading and unloading.

Also swimming is a sport that is well suited for patients with a lumbar spine syndrome, but there are new findings on this topic. For a long time the technique of backstroke was favored, but the training effect regarding the strengthening of the back muscles is rather small. Breaststroke offers a much greater effect, but this is only recommended if the swimming technique is properly mastered.

Poor swimming technique puts considerable strain on the cervical spine in particular. Exercise treatments according to the Pilates method have proven to be an extremely efficient training, especially for people with lumbar spine syndrome and spinal complaints. All Pilates exercises begin with building up basic tension in the trunk muscles.

This tension, the so-called “powerhouse”, should be maintained throughout the entire exercise phase. This activates the deep muscle layers and through regular practice the participants develop a much better posture. The biggest difference to conventional training methods is that the Pilates method has a more holistic approach. For example, elements from yoga are also used.