Although pushing your limits in the gym can be rewarding, it comes with risks. One of the more serious issues that can arise is an intervertebral disc injury, also known as a slipped or herniated disc.
All materials are deformable to a certain extent, much like a spring. When the load exceeds their limit, they undergo permanent deformation, and in some cases, they can break. The spine behaves in a similar way. Loading the spine can deform the discs, and excessive loading from poor form or heavy weights can cause tears and leakage of disc material into the spinal canal.
Can Deadlifts Cause a Slipped Disc?
A common concern among lifters is whether deadlifts can cause a slipped disc. The lift itself is not the problem; the issue lies in heavy loads combined with poor form, which place uneven pressure on the discs. Rounding the lower back, lifting beyond your capacity, or skipping warm-ups can all contribute to lower back pain from a gym injury. With proper technique and progressive loading, deadlifts can be performed safely and effectively.
Symptoms of a Disc Injury
Patients with a simple tear of the disc commonly present with low back pain that worsens with disc loading activities. Examples include bending, twisting, sneezing and coughing. Sometimes, this tear is associated with a disc herniation. This means that the inner part of the disc, known as the nucleus pulposus, has herniated through the tear. The result is intense inflammation of the spinal nerve root lying next to the disc, leading to pain that radiates from the buttock down the leg and into the foot.
Warning Signs That Need Urgent Care
If you experience back pain after gym activities, it is okay to observe your condition for a while. In many instances, the pain can resolve without any specific treatment. However, if you experience the following symptoms, it is important to seek help immediately:
- Severe stabbing pain immediately following a lift, especially if accompanied by a snap or pop
- Weakness or numbness
- Bowel or bladder changes
- Fever or chills
- Both legs affected at the same time
- History of cancer or trauma
If none of these features is present, it is reasonable to monitor the pain and see if it eases on its own. When symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks, seeing a back pain specialist in Singapore can help identify the cause early and prevent the condition from worsening.
Get Back to Lifting, Pain-Free
Dr Christopher Liu is a pain specialist at Alleviate Pain Clinic, where he regularly sees patients with sports injuries. He provides back pain treatment in Singapore for a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including minimally invasive slipped disc treatment for active individuals.
Whether you are dealing with a recent gym injury or persistent back pain that is keeping you from training, our doctor is here to help you find lasting relief and get you back to doing what you love. Book an appointment today to start your recovery.
