Which sports are particularly suitable for people with disc problems?
May 10, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Eva Ziegler
Dear orthopedic expert,
My name is Thomas Jung and I have been suffering from disc problems for some time now. The pain in my lower back is increasingly affecting my daily life and I am looking for suitable sports that could help alleviate my symptoms and strengthen my back muscles.
So far, I have mainly focused on endurance sports such as running and cycling, but I feel that these activities are putting additional strain on my discs. I am concerned that I may worsen my symptoms through incorrect training, so I am looking for alternatives that are beneficial for my back.
What sports would you recommend to me to relieve my disc problems and strengthen my back muscles? Are there specific exercises or training methods that I could incorporate into my routine to improve my symptoms? I would like to actively do something about my back pain and I look forward to your expert opinion.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Thomas Jung
Dear Thomas Jung,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an orthopedic doctor. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from disc problems and that it is affecting your daily life. It is important that you find suitable sports that can relieve your symptoms and strengthen your back muscles.
When dealing with disc problems, it is important to engage in gentle sports that relieve the back and support the muscles. Endurance sports such as running and cycling can actually put additional strain on the discs depending on the intensity and technique. Therefore, it is good that you are looking for alternatives.
A highly recommended sport for disc problems is swimming. Swimming evenly distributes the load on the entire body without excessively straining the discs. Additionally, swimming helps strengthen your back muscles and improve your posture. Aqua fitness classes can also be a good option as they focus on strengthening the back muscles.
Another recommended sport is yoga. Yoga can help improve the flexibility of the spine, strengthen the muscles, and relieve tension in the back. There are specific yoga exercises that are particularly beneficial for people with disc problems. Make sure to find a qualified yoga instructor who is knowledgeable about orthopedic issues.
Pilates exercises are also very effective for strengthening the back muscles. Pilates aims to strengthen the deep muscles, leading to better back stability. Through regular Pilates training, you can improve your back problems in the long term.
It is important to perform the sports slowly and controlled, and listen to your body. Pay attention to the signals your back is giving you and do not overexert yourself. If needed, consult a physiotherapist who can show you specific exercises for your individual complaints.
I hope these recommendations help you and that you find a sport that can help alleviate your disc problems and strengthen your back muscles. If you have any further questions or need additional support, feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Eva Ziegler
