Excessive intensity in training can be dangerous, potentially causing spinal injuries. This risk arises from improper technique and overloading, a topic discussed with socialbites.ca by orthopedic traumatologist Rashid Belhamidi, deputy chief physician at the Ilya Trukhanov Clinic in Kurkino.
The expert identifies axial load, the force placed along the spine, as the main danger. Exercises that commonly amplify this load include squats, deadlifts, leg presses on a machine, and high-impact jumping or plyometric movements. A careful approach to training is essential—gradually increase resistance, and ensure a proper warmup to prepare muscles and ligaments before any intense session. A supportive waist corset can act as a muscular shield to help stabilize the spine during heavy lifts. Technique matters greatly because how the weight is distributed along the spine determines where stress concentrates. Before starting any program, an individual should be evaluated for overall health and readiness for a demanding activity, notes the doctor.
Depending on the load type and the baseline condition of the body, training may lead to negative outcomes. The initial risk often involves vertebral displacement. There are fixed and unstable varieties, caused by excessive stretching or overextension during exercises. Uneven displacement poses a higher danger because it can damage nerves, cause severe pain and reduce sensation in the limbs, sometimes necessitating surgical intervention. In other scenarios, various neuropathic medications may be used to manage pain, while manual therapy and osteopathy aim to reposition misaligned vertebrae, the orthopedist explains.
Training can also risk tearing an intervertebral disc. If the muscular corset is not sufficiently strong, the spine bears the entire load. With a high axial load on an unprepared back, disc structures may be compromised, potentially leading to a herniation. A visit to a doctor at an early stage, especially for a small hernia, allows for conservative treatment and avoidance of surgery. Therapeutic exercise and targeted back-strengthening routines will support healthier musculature and better spinal support, Belhamidi advises.
A vertebral compression fracture may occur when vertebrae are subjected to excessive exertion and simply “slump” under pressure. People most at risk include those with osteoporosis or other tissue-density conditions linked to hormonal imbalances. The doctor warns that spinal injuries are not limited to heavy lifting; running or jumping can also provoke stress-related damage when the body is repeatedly overloaded. Over time, microfractures can accumulate and contribute to stress fractures. Prevention hinges on gradual progression: increase duration and intensity by no more than about ten percent at a time, and allow ample recovery time. Muscles and bones must adapt to the growing demands, he notes.
In summary, safety in training comes down to planning, patience, and body awareness. Belhamidi emphasizes that a well-rounded approach includes strengthening the core and back muscles, learning proper lift mechanics, and respecting the body’s signals. With careful progression and attention to form, most back-related issues can be managed effectively, reducing the need for invasive treatments and supporting long-term resilience for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike, attribution to Belhamidi from the Ilya Trukhanov Clinic.)