Lifting weights is one of the most beneficial forms of exercise for people of all ages, backgrounds and athletic abilities. In fact, more and more people are turning to weightlifting over other forms of exercise in order to lose weight and get in shape. The surge in popularity of weightlifting has catapulted workout programs such as Crossfit into a cultural phenomenon as more and more people are seeing results of regular weightlifting regimens.
Of course, there is good reason that weightlifting has become so popular in the fitness world. In addition to helping people lose inches, regular weightlifting can promote cardiovascular health, help you build a healthy metabolism and results in better bone health as well.
Buy just like any miraculous health regimen—there are some caveats with weightlifting, including the potential for injury and lingering back pain. It can place a great deal of strain of different parts of your body, including your spine and is one of the most common reasons for low back pain in the United States.
Here at our Laurel, MD chiropractic office, we see a number of patients struggling with low back pain each and every day, particularly once they start weightlifting. Depending on the injury, this may range from a low, dull-aching pain, to sharp acute pain that makes it difficult to workout. No matter what type of back pain you are dealing with, it is important to get it checked out by a local chiropractor right away.
The good news is, even if you are experiencing low back pain or general spinal discomfort—it doesn’t mean that you need to give up weightlifting all together. You just need to make sure you are under the care of the right medical professional so you can get out of pain and back to doing what you love.
Why Do People Experience Back Pain While Lifting Weights?
In most situations, people experience back pain during or after lifting weights because they have poor posture and poor lifting technique. Bad posture and over exertion can not only lead to pain and discomfort but it can cause serious injury as well.
One of the most common ways people hurt themselves while lifting is by having a rounded back when they work out. If you hunch or round your back, it can put your hips at a bad angle and put extra stress on the ligaments around your spine.
When lifting with this poor form, there are two very likely injuries that can occur.
Instead of lifting with a rounded back, you should keep your shoulders back and away from your ears, keep your back straight and engage your pelvis when attempting to lift. This will help protect your back and make sure that you don’t overextend.
Common injuries like this can be very painful, but with the right rest, treatment and therapy, you can fully recover and get back to lifting weights as normal.
Treating Back Pain From Weightlifting
If you notice a sudden pain in your back while lifting weights or are so sore following a workout that you can’t perform everyday functions comfortably—stop what you are doing right away. Make sure that you are icing the sore area regularly and make an appointment immediately to see a Doctor of Chiropractic.
A chiropractor will be able to use a range of therapies and techniques to help with the existing pain you are experiencing and to make sure that you aren’t suffering from a serious injury that needs further intervention. Your chiropractor should take x-rays to get a better look at your spine and a better assessment of the injury you are dealing with.
In addition to helping you get out of pain and stay out of pain, your chiropractor will be able to help you with posture and form and make sure that you don’t struggle with additional injuries in the future.
Here at McAuliffe Chiropractic Office, we understand just how frustrating and debilitating back pain can be. This is why we are dedicated to treating the root cause of your back pain so you can get back to weightlifting. But we do more than that. We will also educate you on proper form, and post-workout care, so that you can continue working out without pain or risk of serious injury.
Our goal is never to prevent you from living your life but making sure that you can do what you want to do without pain! If you have questions about a low back injury, or want to know more about what you can do to prevent injury while working out—contact our office today! You can call us directly at 301-776-0755 or book an appointment with us online today.
