Some 17 million people in the United States do inline skating, according to Dr. C. David Geier Jr., a Charleston, S.C., orthopedic surgeon. Although this can be an enjoyable form of exercise, inline skaters sometimes suffer injuries. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says that more than 60,000 inline skating injuries require medical care every year. Among those injuries are herniated discs. Spinal discs are flexible cushions between the vertebrae; when the contents of a disc ooze out, it is called a herniated disc.
Trauma
Inline skating is a low-impact sport, but falling is not uncommon. Skaters who do extreme movements are most likely to take hard falls, but any fall can cause an injury. A fall can fracture or damage one or more vertebrae, potentially causing herniation. When the fluid from a herniated disc leaks through the thin cover, it may compress the nerve roots leaving the spinal cord. Compression causes back pain. The pain can radiate to the glutes and down the back of the leg.
Protection
Because falling poses the risk of spinal injury, do whatever you can to reduce your chances. Dr. Geier advises skating lessons to improve balance, speed control and the ability to stop; all of these skills can help you stay on your feet. He also says that novice skaters should seek out locations that have no traffic or obstacles. All skaters should wear protective gear. Only 5 percent of inline skaters wearing protective gear suffered injuries of any kind, according to a study published in 2000 in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness.
Strength
Low-impact aerobic activities like cycling and walking can help you recover from a herniated disc by strengthening the muscles of your back and abs. Stronger core muscles mean better support for the spine, resulting in fewer injures and less back pain. Although inline skating poses the risk of falls, the activity is potentially less stressful to your joints than running or cycling. It also burns as many calories as running, which is important, because being overweight increases strain on your spinal discs. Targeted core exercises may be beneficial too. Ask your doctor or physical therapist which ab and back exercises are safe for you and when you can resume physical activity.
Flexibility
Increased strength and flexibility are the two main goals of rehabilitation from a back injury. Stretching exercises make your lower back more mobile and improve flexibility in the hips and hamstrings. Flexibility in these areas, along with stronger waist muscles, allows you to maintain a neutral spine position during activities like inline skating; a neutral spine is when the back curves naturally -- it's not arched or rounded. The spine is best protected in a neutral position. Stretching before you go skating and throughout the day improves flexibility. Ask your doctor to advise you on the safest and most effective stretches for you.
References
- Spine-Health: Potential Causes of Back Pain in Children and Teens
- New York Times Health Guide: Herniated Disk -- Exercise and Physical Therapy
- Bodybuilding.com: Inline Skating Injury Prevention
- Spine-Health: Exercise for Sciatica from a Herniated Disc
- Health Day: Herniated Disk
- Dr David Geier: Tips to Decrease Inline Skating Injuries
