Herniated Disc Caused by Poor Lifting

Does Improper Lifting Cause a Herniated Disc?

Jesse Cannone, leading back pain expert speaks about a common question that he frequently gets asked, “Does improper lifting techniques cause a herniated disc?”  The answer is yes and no. Yes, because if you are in “bad” physical condition, by that I mean, if you have muscle imbalances that are pulling your spine out of alignment and if you have excessive curvature in the lower back due to weak abdominal muscles, tight hips and so on.

You may also have trigger points. The environment is ripe for a disc to herniate. If you are in that bad condition, and you bend over to pick something up, you pull your back out.  This happens to people all of the time. It wasn’t the physical act of bending over without bending your legs that threw your back out, the problem has been building up for weeks, months or even years. The muscle imbalances pulled your spine out of alignment, which had placed uneven and access wear and tear on the discs because the vertebrae are compressed unevenly and with rotation. This all takes place because of muscle imbalances.

If your body was balanced and strong, you would be able to bend down and pick the item up at the waist.  There is no reason why you should not be able to bend over without getting hurt.

But again, this has to do with your condition, your overall physical spine health.

If you have any questions of feedback on herniated disc issues, please leave a comment below…