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cagimi
Mar 24, 2013, 5:39 PM
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Registered: Mar 24, 2013
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Hi everyone,
I suffered two herniated discs from crew a few years ago, did the shots and PT, and it has been OK for a while (it randomly got bad about a year and a half ago, but otherwise nothing). It doesn't bother me much and I do a lot of core strengthening on my own. My doctor didn't want to do the surgery since I am still in my 20s, have recovered pretty well without it, and I wasn't competing in any serious athletic competitions (my crew coach, for example, got the surgery when she was in college because she was supposed to go to the Olympics).
My friend invited me to go rock climbing, and I definitely would like to get into a new kind of exercise since I can't row anymore, but I'm not sure if it is a good idea. I haven't seen my doctor (a spine specialist) in a few years since I haven't really needed to (and he is in a different state), otherwise I'd ask him.
Thoughts?
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shockabuku
Mar 24, 2013, 6:43 PM
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Registered: May 20, 2006
Posts: 4868
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You probably shouldn't boulder. I can't imagine the impacts from falling would be very good for you. Top rope climbing might be okay, it's pretty minimal impact as long as the rope isn't allowed to have much slack. I suppose leading could go either way.
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Kartessa
Mar 24, 2013, 7:03 PM
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Registered: Nov 18, 2008
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Not a doc, but I'd figure if you started on easy grades on top rope, you'd be ok. No big stresses on the body in that case
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notapplicable
Mar 24, 2013, 7:19 PM
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Registered: Aug 31, 2006
Posts: 17771
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I have a lower back injury that comes back to haunt me now and again. I find that climbing actually helps with it. I don't climb steep, core intensive stuff while it's hurting but vertical routes seem to stretch it out and help the muscles relax.
As others have said, I would not recommend boldering.
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louBlissab
Mar 25, 2013, 12:29 AM
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Registered: Apr 9, 2009
Posts: 53
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I know everyone is different...therefore use your own best judgement.
At age 51 and after a lifetime of outdoor activity and exercise, I suffered an L3-L4 herniated disc 2 1/2 years ago, that came out of nowhere. I spent 1 1/2 years doing nothing, but trying to heal (near suicidal). No surgery, much frustration, disgusting weight gain, eating crap, feeling like shit...many injections and physical therapy during this period was of no use. Complete loss of life. Envious of everyone who was walking around with no pain.
Started feeling better 1 1/2 years out and started back on exercise and rejoining the human race.
Almost three years into this insult to my body and I now exercise constantly. Running, much yoga, became a vegetarian, lost weight to a point were none climbing friends think I'm too thin.
I am now climbing harder than I ever have.
My advice is to start climbing, but you probably have to change your lifestyle to a point were you protect your back at all costs. Your core strength and flexibility will offer the protection of you back.
Best of luck,
AB
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