Excessive zeal in training is not only beneficial, but can also lead to spinal cord injury. What errors led to this and how to avoid it was explained to socialbites.ca by orthopedic traumatologist Rashid Belhamidi, deputy chief physician of the Ilya Trukhanov Clinic in Kurkino.
According to the expert, the risk of injury is mostly associated with irrational axial load (external pressure on the spine). The most dangerous in this regard are squats, deadlifts, deadlifts, leg presses in the simulator, as well as jumping and jumping on the platform.
“You should approach the training wisely – gradually increase the load and do not forget to warm up, that is, be sure to warm up the muscles and ligaments in the first place. Especially waist corsets, which will act as a muscular corset and help the spine withstand the force. It is also very important to follow the technique of performing the exercises, because it depends on how the load is distributed along the spine. Before starting training, the person’s state of health, readiness for appropriate physical activity should also be evaluated, ”said the doctor.
Depending on the type of load and the initial state of the body, training can lead to negative consequences. The first dangerous injury is the displacement of the vertebrae.
“There are fixed and unstable displacements of the vertebrae. This happens due to excessive stretching and overextension during exercise. Uneven displacement of the vertebrae is more dangerous as it causes nerve damage, severe pain and decreased sensitivity in the limbs, and therefore often requires surgical treatment. In other cases, various neuropathic agents are used to relieve pain, and manual therapy and osteopathy are used to shrink the vertebrae, ”explained the orthopedist.
In addition, training can lead to a traumatic rupture of the intervertebral disc.
“If the muscular corset is not sufficiently strengthened, the entire load is taken by the spine. With increased axial load on an unprepared back, a violation of the intervertebral disc structure may occur and a hernia may occur. With a timely visit to the doctor and with a relatively small hernia size, it will be possible to manage with conservative treatment and avoid surgery. Exercise therapy and hyperextension exercises will help strengthen the back muscles,” he advised.
Vertebral compression fracture occurs when the vertebrae do not move during excessive physical exertion, but “droop” – compressed.
“People at risk should be especially careful – those with osteoporosis or tissue density disorders caused by hormonal imbalances,” the doctor warned.
The traumatologist also reminded that, contrary to the stereotype, a spinal injury can be caused not only by straining, but also by ordinary running or jumping.
“Due to regular overloads, microcracks form, which then “combine” and lead to the formation of a stress fracture. For prevention, it is important to very gently increase the duration and intensity of such training – no more than 10%, and also give yourself time to recover. Muscles and bones have to adapt to the load,” Belhamidi summarized.
Formerly socialbites.ca Wrote About the most common causes of injuries in the summer.