A slipped disc is no joke. Slipped discs can cause many painful symptoms due to the compression of nerves in the spinal cord. For this reason, treatment should be started as early as possible. This is the only way to favourably influence the course of the disease. Cycling and any incorrect posture of the spine can lead to a worsening of the symptoms
- Cycling is not a favourable sport for herniated discs. It is difficult to give tips here: there is no general rule for cycling, it has to be decided on a case-by-case basis whether cycling will make your back worse or better - or whether it is unlikely to make any difference.
If you don't want to give up biking, you should definitely discuss the subject of cycling with your doctor. It makes no difference whether you ride a road bike or a mountain bike and the choice of equipment (fully or hardtail) is of secondary importance. More important is the incorrect posture into which the spine is forced by the sitting position when cycling and the consequences this has for the intervertebral disc.
Dr Olaf Schumacher
STRENGTH TRAINING FOR SPRING
You should strengthen your back and core muscles in winter and spring, and not just to prevent disc problems. Olympic champion Gunn-Rita Dahle (Multivan Merida Biking Team) explains her favourite exercises:
