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Sports not recommended for people with back problems

Sports not recommended for people with back problems Illustrative photo (Freepik)
Author: Maria Kholina

People with back problems are often advised to engage in physical activity. However, not every sport is conducive to back health. Certain sports are not suitable for people with back issues, according to Fit for Fun.

Sports to avoid

If you frequently experience back pain, sports that involve frequent changes in direction are not recommended. For instance, activities like soccer demand rapid rotational movements, which can strain the spine.

Orthopedist Matthias Manke explains that playing soccer requires frequent changes in direction, placing additional stress on the spine.

"Stopping, changing direction, then accelerating again," the doctor elaborated.

He advises against sports such as badminton, squash, tennis, and volleyball for individuals with back pain.

"If you still want to engage in these sports despite back problems, it's important to strengthen your back muscles and consult your doctor if you have any doubts," recommends the orthopedist.

Suitable sports

For those seeking spine-friendly sports, opt for activities that involve minimal changes in direction. Manke recommends Nordic walking, cycling, or swimming.

"Swimming on your back is preferable to breaststroke because it doesn't lead to spinal sagging," notes the orthopedic surgeon.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.