Axial loading and degenerative disc issues

[Guest guest]

Tom Capobianco wrote:

In one of the gyms I train out of there is a gentlemen who suffers from

severe degenerative disc issues relative to L4/L5. No surgery performed at

this time. He is approx 30 years old, 6'2 " and 220lbs or so and I would

guess him at somewhere between 22 and 26% bodyfat. I mention the bodyfat so

as to give some indication of physical condition. Given the disc issues it

is my position that axial loading should be of some concern. Especially,

barbell squats with at least 315lbs that I have observed. Out of concern

for the individual, I mentioned my reservations regarding this particular

exercise as it relates to his disc issues. He informed me that through

working with his physical therapist and chiropractor over the last several

years he has been able to return this exercise with this kind of weight as

long as there is no flexion in the torso or rounding of the back.

Casler writes:

No one can actually offer definitive advice for this individual since the

extent and cause of his medical condition is not known. One might wonder

why a 30 year old has degenerative disc disease (injury? Disease? Other?)

However in general terms disc health and rehabilitation if and when possible

at all, will include cyclic compressions and decompressions to increase the

fluid exchange/hydration process known as diffusion. This is the primary

route to supplying the disc with nutrients since there is little to no blood

supply except to the external annulus. Depending on how extensive the

degeneration is a key element to his rehabilitation.

Axial or ANY type of loading should always be a concern with spinal disc

problems, but the key to rehabbing is reconditioning the TSM (Torso

Stabilization Mechanism). The TSM is the sum total of anatomical soft and

hard tissues, and the volitional and reflexive motor impulses, and force

management processes that manage the forces and loads to, through, and from

the TORSO. Any load can be TOO MUCH, if the TSM is not well conditioned and

functioning properly.

While 315# may seem like a significant amount, I have a disc injury that I

continually rehab (it is a never ending process) and have often used in

excess of 400# and I am over 60 years old. My ability to do this stems from

a very comprehensive and continual training protocol that maintains a high

state of condition to the TSM.

Now you mention axial loading but suggest that this trainee might use " bad

form " . Quite useful form can often be considered " bad " . By that I DO NOT

mean loaded spinal flexion, but in some levels of TSM training it is useful

to lean forward to activate the TSM progressively as long as steps are taken

and awareness built as to what needs to occur in the torso to handle the

loads and cause the conditioning. Of primary concern is learning how to

distribute load forces to the disc in a way that offers the most effective

loading.

If your guy is NOT aware of the elements required for the highest levels of

Torso Stabilization (and few are) then there is a good chance he is simply

an accident waiting to happen. But if he either volitionally or reflexively

is doing the right things then he may be helping his condition (but again we

don't know the original cause and 30 is TOO YOUNG to have disc deterioration

in general)

I, like him, find that if I DON'T train with heavy squats or DL's then I

lose the higher condition of the TSM and back problems result. My whole

purpose for heavy squats is not Leg Strength which is virtually " useless "

without a conditioned torso, but to maintain that KINETIC CHAIN from

shoulders to feet. Why develop leg strength beyond that which can be used

through the torso. A significant imbalance between leg strength and torso

strength may be even more dangerous.

I think if you saw my squats, you (and most anyone) would be critical of the

form since I lean forward to a significant amount, just shy of a Good

Morning/Squat hybrid. I use this seemingly " incorrect form " to actually

" over stress " my hips and spinal extensors to be in better condition than

the strength of my legs, so as NOT to be subject to legs stronger than my

torso/back.

The level of conditioning it, and all the associated protocol present is the

only way I know to do the job. Please know that years ago in beginning this

protocol, I began with the 45# bar ONLY and quickly added weight to about

225#, then only added 10#-15# a week till I reached a little over 500# for

reps. Do the math, it took the better part of 2 years, to get there in SLOW

progressive steps. Also please know that this was employed in a protocol

that used Opposing and Balanced Loaded actions in an alternating fashion to

create the " Cyclic compressions and decompressions " I mentioned earlier. I

occasionally give seminars and workshops on this since it is NOT something

that can be explained in a few posts.

One must totally understand the basic anatomy involved (including the disc

structure and mechanics) as well as all the biomechanics involved in

managing various types of loading in order for it to NOT be potentially

dangerous.

Wish I had more time to post to this.

Regards,

Casler

TRI-VECTOR 3-D Training Systems

Century City, CA

-II-----II-