How to Exercise With a Herniated Disc in the Neck

A herniated spinal disc in the neck can cause a number of symptoms including as numbness, pain and a tingling sensation running down either arm. While surgery can be required to correct this type of injury, a herniated disc will often resolve itself and require only that you take care with your exercise selection to avoid re-injury or pain.

Instructions

1. Avoid weightlifting exercises that require loading of the spine, such as barbell squats. Placing a loaded barbell across the neck can irritate the herniated disc, resulting in pain and exacerbating existing symptoms of the condition. Instead, perform front squats with the barbell held in front of the body.

2. Practice proper spinal alignment for all exercises involving the back such as squats, dead lifts and good mornings. Keep your spine in a neutral position with a natural arch in your lower back and your chest and head held high. Keep your head properly aligned with your spine by keeping your chin tucked in and your ears aligned directly over your shoulders.

3. Avoid any exercise that causes you pain in the affected region.

4. Follow your doctor's advice regarding exercise selection. Even if you believe you can still perform a certain type of exercise in spite of your herniated disc, you are better off abstaining if your doctor disapproves.

References

• Cervical Herniated Disc Symptoms and Treatment
• Herniated Cervical Disc
• Exercises for a Herniated Disc