1. Disc Prolapse, Not a Slipped Disc
Rowing is a sport that's tough on your back, whether you row indoors on a machine or outdoors on the water. The motion required to row is a great workout for your back, but it can also cause you to have a disc prolapse (incorrectly called a slipped disc). When you row, your discs feel stressed by the constant twisting and flexing of the spine. When you have a disc prolapse, the disc falls out of alignment with the spinal cord, causing pain and restricting movement. Think about it. When you move your arms forward while rowing, your vertebra rock forward, leaving pressure on your discs. When you twist, the disc feels pressure. When you lift of pull anything, the disc feels pressure. Even sitting for extended periods adds pressure to the disc. In fact, your discs feel 200 percent more pressure when you sit than when you lie down. Doctors can diagnose disc prolapse with x-ray in some patients; however, MRI is another option. If you have chronic back problems, your doctor may advise you to hang up your oars to help you avoid a disc prolapse.
2. Lower Back Pain From Overuse
The benefits of rowing can sometimes be a negative as well. The repetitive motion that works so well to build muscles and endurance can also leave your back at risk for injury. If you feel disc pain, it could be the result of overuse. The constant forward and backward motion for your back adds a lot of pressure to your discs, resulting in pain. It's a common injury in sports like rowing, where athletes participate in repetitive motions. Thankfully, disc pain as a result of overuse is easy to treat. Just back off your current training regimen, allow your pain to diminish and build up again slowly.
3. Improper Posture Equals Disc Pain
One of the most common causes of disc pain in rowers is improper technique. You may have improper technique on the water, improper technique at the gym or even improper technique at the office. It all contributes to disc pain that you feel when you row. Improving your posture in the boat by sitting up straight can help relieve the pressure you feel on your discs. In the gym, choose the right amount of weight. Too much weight or poor technique while you lift can also add pressure on your discs. It's easy to treat improper technique and find relief from back pain. First talk to your coach or trainer about proper posture in the boat and at the gym. Even the slightest slouch can send your back out of alignment. However, working with your trainer will help you re-learn the right way to do it. You should also add abdominal and back workouts to your strength training regiment. Building those muscles helps ease the pain you feel in your back.
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