Disc damage with Swings

[realmc26]

I read a comment on a U tube Kettlebell video related to the dangers of the Ballistic Kettlebell swing.

A sports Med doctor who claims to have much experience with sports related back injuries stated that the ballistic nature of the kettlebell swing is dangerous in that over time micro tears to the disc anullous will occur.

My question is, even with correct form, what is the likelyhood of micro tears occuring and is there any research either for or against the swing in terms of long term damage to disc's?

I am a fitness professional, new to Kettlebell training but incredibly impressed by the rapid gains I have made personally. However with 2 Asymptomatic Lx bulges myself and obviously with my clients best interests in mind I am still concerned that the ballistic nature of the swing could be causing damage over time.

Any thoughts from you Physio's, sports Med Doc's??

Cheers

[Paul in Hobart]

I will not comment other than to say that even jogging causes microtears to soft tissues. the problem is overtraining where normal healing of microtears is prevented. New converts to KBs tend to be overly enthusiastic!

Train progressively and mindful of the need to allow relatively avascular connective tissue to adapt , and you should not have a problem.

...& if you have a back issue , be wary of KB "tricks".

[VictorVondoomPhD]

Apologies for my being missing in action lately. Basically setting a new practice up in Hawthorn and not having a computer/internet or TV at home - I am a Cave Man. Hence can only log on when at work, and I'm so damn busy, treating 12hr+ 5/7 so I have not. But I will be set up with full 21st Century capabilities by August 1st. So will be on daily from then.

O.K. So to this interesting comment about microtears from ballistic exercise. Gotta say, show me the money! What research? Where published, Peer reviewed? I know of no funding world wide at any University investigating this topic.

So the comments appear opinion. Based upon what evidence? None that I have seen.

He is certainly wrong in one regard, he does not know what correct swing form is. When I teach it, I teach a person to deadlift and squat before I teach a swing. When a person folds at the hips and not at the back then they are perfectly safe. Keep the spine lordoitic. He must be commenting upon people who must be flexing and extending their spines when they swing. This is not the form used by Certified Trainers or their clients.

So, now if a kettlebell technique is correctly performed then I will state it has the same effect upon the disc as any other comparable resistance training method. But I will state that kettlebell ballistics do improve muscular strength and decrease low back pain clinically in those whose conditions warrant these exercises.

Kettlebell lifting in good form has NO detrimental effect upon the disc, beyond any other land based exercise program. Genetic variety aside.

Hope this clarifies
catch you all soonish

Andrew

[Paul in Hobart]

I'm popping this rather detailed reference here , just to keep it handy ; my message is to keep the back strong & supple throughout life - and remember that for most disc "prolapses", a recent study showed that after at 6 months the results of conservative treatment was similar to "urgent" surgery.

http://book2.neurosurgeon.org/?defaultarticle=&defaultnode=2643&layout=22&pagefunction=Load%20Layout

I know a number of folk who do the prescribed physio for 4-6 weeks after a disc "flare up" but then go back to old sedentary ways - a pattern of repeat exacerbations emerges. It's a bit like dieting I suppose. But , the spine really is the tree of life and it pays to keep it healthy. I regret having neglected mine for a decade or so, but nowadays it treats me well.

[VictorVondoomPhD]

Good article Paul.
It illustrates the physiological process of disc degeneration well. Good discerning educated reading will allow us to question some implications, such as the application and extrapolation of cadaveric studies to living people. The bone endplate fatigue is interesting because McGill has spoken of it often. Clinically I don't find symptoms in patients that will be consistent with this.

The idea that a 4-6 week course of "physio" will prevent back pain is erroneous. The likely necessary changes to lifestyle dangers applied for life are the best option. A person should, in all likelyhood, not experience back pain for life if correct principles are adhered to.

So i postulate that the Sports Dr. mentioned in the start of the post is making as enlightening a statement as "living causes microtears to the disc". He does not demonstrate that correct weighted ballistic exercise will cause disc injury that will cause disablement. Maybe Pilates would?