Introduction
Most herniated discs are caused by chronic incorrect strain and postures that place particularly heavy demands on the spine. Sometimes, however, it also happens that certain sports lead to herniated discs. First and foremost these are sports involving heavy weight, such as weightlifting.
Here, high weight is loaded on the arms via the spine within a very short time. Although there are special techniques to minimize the weight on the spine, it cannot be prevented that a considerable part of the weight is also on the spine. Weightlifters also protect themselves with a special belt to prevent overloading of the spine. At risk for slipped discs are especially untrained weightlifters and beginners who may overestimate themselves or who do not know the consequences of their injuries well enough. If weightlifting is done incorrectly and too much weight is taken, an acute herniated disc can also occur, which does not progress over a long period of time but occurs suddenly.
Other sports that can cause a herniated disc
Shot-putters are also at risk of permanent spinal column injuries due to the repulsion movement. Here, too, special exercises as well as loads adapted to the level of performance and physical condition are one of the most important measures to prevent slipped discs. Even sports that tend to be performed in a seated or bent forward position can potentially cause a herniated disc.
Repeated disc-stressing sports such as jogging can also damage the intervertebral discs. Nevertheless, jogging can still be allowed even if a herniated disc exists. These include jockeys at horse races, tennis and table tennis players, as well as golfers and footballers.
Even climbing can in principle lead to a herniated disc. This is caused by the often unphysiological movements on the climbing wall. Since the positions and movements often change.
For all these sports, it is true that they can in principle cause herniated disks, but do not have to. The probability of causing a herniated disc is reduced by the level of training and by adjusting the load associated with the level of performance. To be on the safe side, especially for beginners, a training program should be created that slowly builds up the athletic performance.
Athletes who want to do weight training should talk to a fitness trainer before starting to do exercises that are easy on the muscles and joints. In addition to adjusting the load to the respective training level, warming up before the sport is particularly important. Doing a certain sport “cold” increases the risk of muscle or joint injuries or, in the case of a chronic “cold start”, also a slipped disc.
Various sports can not only cause a herniated disc but can also help to prevent a herniated disc or, if a herniated disc has already occurred, to relieve the symptoms and complaints. There are two main principles. On the one hand, joints should be spared, on the other hand, muscles that perform the body movement in the back should be trained to relieve the spine.
