Back Pain – Is Weightlifting Out of the Question?

Coming back from a back injury can leave your body weak and out of shape. It is not a good idea to use your back problem as an excuse not to do any exercise. A lack of exercise can actually increase the risk of your back problem recurring again. When your back muscles are out of condition they are less effective in supporting you spine which makes them less able to cope when pressure is exerted on it.

Even though it is a good idea to take exercise it is not a good idea to take part in sports that are risky. Certain sports can aggravate your spine especially, when your body is weak after a recovery period.

Weightlifting would be considered a medium to high risk sport in relation to people who have a back pain. Weightlifting can put an enormous amount of pressure on the lumbar spine and this sport has high incidence of back injuries.

If you enjoy weight lifting and you are aware of the risks there are a number of ways in which you can make it safer for you by follow these guide lines:

1) Always wear a weighting belt no matter how the light the weight you lift. The belt is very important because it reduces the strain on your spine by stabilising it. In this way it also protects your back muscles and ligaments from the risk of damage. Your gym will have plenty of belts or if you weight lift at home you can buy one in most sports shops.

2) If you are coming back from an injury you should work with a qualified trainer who can guide you and give you a weightlifting program specific to your bodies strength and fitness level. The trainer will ensure that you follow the program and keep you in check if you are tempted to lift heavier weights that you should not be lifting.

3) Use the experience and knowledge of your trainer to advise you on the best techniques to lift weights. The movements involved with weightlifting put excessive pressure on your spine therefore, it is important the proper techniques become second nature to you.

4) In the beginning it is better to focus on lifting weights that do not put pressure on your spine. Your trainer will be able to give you the best advice on this issue.

Always seek a doctor’s advice if you have a medical condition before doing any form of new exercise.