Can you exercise with a herniated disc?

You need to keep moving — but exercise must follow special rules.

Author: Dr. Elfana Suleymanova Medically reviewed

When a herniated intervertebral disc is diagnosed, you need to keep moving. Even if the movements are very simple, they should not be accompanied by pain. If there is pain, the technique and intensity need to be adjusted.

1

Sports that are not recommended

  • Jumping from heights, throwing and weightlifting — place a high load on the spine
  • Hockey, soccer and downhill skiing — the risk of injury is very high
  • Tennis and golf — they demand quick reactions from the athlete
  • Active running — the whole body moves with a high load on the spine
2

Recommended sports

  • Light walking
  • Cycling and skiing
  • Eastern movement practices
  • Pilates
  • Swimming and water aerobics are the most suitable forms of exercise for a herniated disc

We look not at where the pain is, but at where it comes from.
— Dr. Elfana Suleymanova, Center Director · Internist and osteopathic physician

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