Can you exercise with a hernia? - by MD Thordis Berger
Disc hernias are a common cause of neck, back, arm, or leg pain. Can you exercise if you are suffering from any of the symtoms associated with hernias? You can, and with the proper guidance - you should.
Disc Hernia Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location of the herniated disc.
In the lower back, pain occurs although it is important to emphasize that low back pain is common, affects about 20% of the population and is not always the result of disc herniation.
Disc herniation can compress a spinal nerve causing leg and foot pain (sciatica) and / or back pain, numbness, tingling, tenderness changes, and muscle weakness. The herniated disc can be caused by an effort, but it is common for the patient to not remember any particular activity or event that triggered the symptoms.
Hernia Diagnosis
It is important to confirm the precise location and current state of the hernia. To do so, see your doctor who may recommend an X-ray, MRI or CT scan. Although X-ray is part of the study of back or leg pain, disc herniation is not seen in this exam as it is made of non-bone material. The ideal exam for your diagnosis is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or alternatively Computed Axial Tomography (CT). In some cases the study of nerve conduction and EMG may be useful.
After other causes for the symptoms have been ruled out and when a herniated disc is diagnosed, it has been noted that in more than 60% of cases there is a spontaneous resolution within 2 to 3 months.
When it comes to sports, there are inherent factors that have to be considered.
Exercising with hernia
Physical exercise used as a therapeutic form is highly recommended for the recovery of the affected area, this implies that the exercise is directed mainly to the functional disability of the trauma.
Thus, a functional rehabilitation program should always be individualized, also taking into account the location and type of hernia.
It is important to guide the individual towards a postural balance or visual verticality perception, leading the person to adopt a more adequate body mechanics in their daily routine, minimizing spine overloads. It is necessary to work the joint amplitudes and muscle strengthening.
The exercises or body positions that cause pain should be avoided or replaced by others, performing the proposed activities progressively, always respecting the limit of pain and the evolution of each individual.
Benefits of exercising
We can conclude that aerobic, muscle-building and flexibility activities are essential and proven effective components in the physical program of individuals with degenerative spinal injuries when prescribed and performed properly.
If you have any type of spine pathology, we recommend that you look for an Exercise Professional to work out an individualized plan according to your abilities and goals to maximize your best!
The goal is to reduce the load on the damaged structure using squat exercises and weight rotation movements because they may worsen the clinical picture. Also avoid running or jumping until stabilised.
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References
El Barzouhi A, Verwoerd AJH, Peul WC, et al. Prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with sciatica. J Neurosurg Spine. 2016;24(6):978–985.
Svensson GL et al. A structured physiotherapy treatment model can provide rapid relief to patients who qualify for lumbar disc surgery: A prospective cohort study J Rehabil Med 2014; 46: 233–240.
Iwamoto J et al. Return to play after conservative treatment in athletes with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation: a practice-based observational study Open Access J Sports Med. 2011; 2: 25–31.
