Verified on 04/16/2024 by Alexane Flament, Editor
A herniated disc, whether cervical or lumbar, causes intense pain in the affected region. Movements are then more limited.
If you want to continue practicing a sporting activity, here is what you are advised to do, or not to do.
Herniated disc: what is it?
A herniated disc designates an injury to an intervertebral disc. These discs are plates of cartilage located between the vertebrae.
A herniation occurs when a disc shifts and compresses one or more nerve roots. Typically, hernias are located in the neck (cervical) or lower back (lumbar).
A hernia causes several symptoms. This could be:
- Severe pain in the neck or lower back;
- Pain extending into the arms, buttocks and legs;
- Pain that increases with coughing and sneezing;
- Numb and weak legs.
Bad postures (in certain situations) can trigger these herniated discs.
You need to pay attention to your posture when carrying heavy loads, making back-bent movements, carrying loads on one shoulder, or other movements that twist the spine.
Also pay attention to your posture when you have a job that requires you to sit a lot.
Herniated disc: can we play a sport?
With a herniated disc, it is possible to continue playing sports. As long as you don’t do anything.
Lucile Woodward, fitness instructor and sports coach, advises working on back extension and hyperextension. This allows you to feel the mobility of the back and relieve the hernia.
THE squats and lunges are possible, provided that your back is straight and your abdominal muscles and perineum are contracted during exercise. The specialist recommends stretching once a week: the assurance of a healthy back.
However, certain sports should be avoided, particularly impact sports. We then forget: running, boxing and combat sports, trampoline, crossfit, mountain biking, skiing, volleyball…
If your pain persists, do not hesitate to consult a health professional.
Health journalist
April 16, 2024, at 2:20 p.m.
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