Over time the spine degenerates due to wear and tear, which causes compression on the nerves between the spinal discs and a loss of mobility. A back injury, excess body weight, repetitive motions and poor sleeping and postural habits contribute to degeneration. Bodybuilding stresses your spine, but degeneration does not always mean you must stop lifting weights. A rehabilitation program can heal back pain and improve your spine's ability to cope with exercise stress.
Degeneration
Your spine contains small joints between the bony vertebrae. Degeneration is when the connective tissue called cartilage breaks down in the joints. This inhibits range of motion, which means less blood flows to the spinal discs. Discs act as shock absorbers; they include an outer layer of cartilage and an inner portion of fluid. The discs need fresh blood to bring oxygen and nutrients. As the spine degenerates, discs may shrink, lose shape or bulge out of position and push painfully against the spinal nerves. Degeneration can end a bodybuilder's career if the spine can no longer handle the stress.
Bodybuilding
People with degeneration of the spine are less able to handle the strain of lifting weights; older people are most likely to suffer injuries due to degeneration, but younger people can have degeneration caused by trauma that make their spines vulnerable. Dynamic bodybuilding exercises with free weights -- such as deadlifts and snatches -- as well as whole-body exercises like squats place the most stress on the spine. You are also more likely to injure your back when you bend the spine forwards or backwards against resistance, which can strain the back muscles, injure the ligaments or cause stress fractures.
Correction
Once the spine begins to degenerate, painful inflammation occurs around the joints. You should address the situation with a corrective process as soon as possible, according to the Spine Universe website, managed by an editorial board comprised of 90 spinal health specialists. For around two to six weeks, do not lift weights or participate in any exercise. Rest, ice your back and see your doctor. You may need to visit a physical therapist and take anti-inflammatory medications.
Rehabilitation
After the initial period of rest, resume exercise to regain flexibility, range of motion and strength in the joints and muscles of your back. Do not begin until your doctor says you are ready. Your rehabilitation could include exercise for the spine and a plan for weight loss. Aerobic exercise to burn calories and strengthen your cardiovascular system are typically safe after seven to 10 days. This is usually the best time to resume weight training as well. Begin exercising again slowly and gradually increase intensity. Stop if you feel pain. This phase may take four to six months.
