Pain

Exercises to Avoid With a Herniated Disc

Written by Stacey Mullis, OTR/L, ATP, NPI-CPS | Mar 6, 2025 3:52:59 PM

A herniated disc can put a serious damper on your fitness routine, but it doesn’t have to keep you from staying active altogether.
The key is to avoid movements that exacerbate pain or further strain your spine while focusing on restoring muscle balance and improving posture.
Let’s dive into what exercises to steer clear of and why, as well as how to support your body on the path to recovery.

ANTHROS BLOG

March 6th, 2025

Exercises to Avoid With
a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc can put a serious damper on your fitness routine, but it doesn’t have to keep you from staying active altogether.

The key is to avoid movements that exacerbate pain or further strain your spine while focusing on restoring muscle balance and improving posture.

Let’s dive into what exercises to steer clear of and why, as well as how to support your body on the path to recovery.

Why Muscle Balance and Posture Matter

When dealing with a herniated disc, maintaining muscle balance and good posture is essential.

Muscle imbalances—where one group of muscles becomes overly tight or strong while the opposing group is weak—can pull your spine out of alignment.

This misalignment puts additional stress on your discs, potentially worsening the herniation or slowing recovery.

Similarly, poor posture, whether sitting, standing, or exercising, can place undue pressure on the discs in your spine.

Learning to engage the right muscles and maintain proper alignment not only helps relieve pain but also prevents future injuries.

*Always consult a healthcare provider or physical therapist before beginning any new exercise program, especially when dealing with a spinal injury.

Why Muscle Balance and Posture Matter

If you’re managing a herniated disc, remember to listen to your body and prioritize movements that feel good and supportive.

Always consult a healthcare provider or physical therapist before beginning any new exercise program, especially when dealing with a spinal injury.

Recovery from a herniated disc takes patience, but with the right approach—including avoiding harmful exercises and focusing on posture and muscle balance—you can work toward a stronger, healthier spine. You’ve got this!