1Final year student, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad.
2Assistant professor, Department of Neurosciences, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad.
Title: Awareness of Lumbar Disc Herniation in Heavy Weightlifters
Lumbar disc herniation is a common musculoskeletal disorder that can cause significant pain and impairments particularly in weightlifters. Lifting weights can put a lot of mechanical strain on the lumbar region. Radiculating pain, low back pain, weakness, restricted trunk flexion, sensory problems at the lumbosacral nerve root distribution, pain that becomes worse when you sit are some of the signs and symptoms. The repetitive high load and stress from these activities can lead to increase wear and tear of intervertebral disc making weightlifter a high-risk group for lumbar disc herniation.
Method: This study is a survey-based observational study conducted over a period of six months in Karad, Maharashtra. The aim of this study is to improve the awareness of lumbar disc herniation among heavy weightlifters. A total of 79 male participants, all aged above 25 years and actively involved in weightlifting, were selected using a simple random sampling method. Data was collected through a questionnaire that included questions that include symptoms, risk factors, and preventive strategies for lumbar disc herniation. This questionnaire was passed through google form and data was collected. The survey design allowed for the collection of self-reported information, making it suitable for evaluating knowledge and awareness in a specific target population.
Result: In this study 80 male weightlifters aged 25 to 32 participated, mostly from Karad and nearby areas. While 86.3% had heard of the lumbar disc herniation, only 31.3% were familiar with its symptoms. Most participants were aware that heavy lifting can affect the spine, but fewer understood specific risk factors like improper technique, sudden movements, or prolonged sitting. Awareness of preventive measures was low only 15% know about the importance of warm-up and cooldown exercises. Few participants suggested practical steps like maintaining proper posture and lifting techniques. Overall, the results reveal a significant gap between basic awareness and detailed understanding of lumbar disc herniation among weightlifters.
Conclusion: The study shows that among heavy lifters; there is a knowledge gap between general awareness and in detail understanding of lumbar disc herniation. Although the majority of participants were aware that lifting large weights can cause strain on the spine. Only some people showed sufficient understanding of its symptoms, risk factors, and ways to avoid it. Beginners particular showed a particularly low level of awareness regarding proper posture, warm-up exercises, and lifting techniques. There is a need for focused training on lifting biomechanics, injury prevention, and spinal health is evident from these findings.
Keywords: Lumbar disc herniation, weightlifting, risk factors, biomechanics, prevention, awareness.
How to cite this article: Kaskar MA, Shah M. Awareness of Lumbar Disc Herniation in Heavy Weightlifters. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(16s): 472-477. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.16s.50
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None