Can I do incline bench press with a herniated disc?

[BangDingOw]

Yup, just asking if anyone knows if its safe to do incline bench press with a herniated disc. Mines in the lower back and its not that big of a herniation. Anyone on this site have herniated discs or am I the only f****** one?

[Zjunky]

Yup, just asking if anyone knows if its safe to do incline bench press with a herniated disc. Mines in the lower back and its not that big of a herniation. Anyone on this site have herniated discs or am I the only f****** one?

It depends. Where is the herniation? Depending on where it is, any pressure on the spine could make it flare. An incline bench is sitting. A flat or decline bench is done laying down. The laying position will probably be less strenuous on your spine than sitting and adding 100+ pounds of pressure.

This is a question for your doctor. If s/he says don't do, then don't do it. It can get much worse. I had a herniation at L5S1 and was out of commission for over two years (but mine was rather severe).

[jcreed77]

search "lifting after herniated disc" on the forum search bar and you'll find lots of people with the same problem for pages and pages

[Paulie_G]

I've had herniated discs for years. Never stopped lifting, and it never affected any of my pushing movements. The only thing it affected was my heavy pulls, including deadlifts and one arm rows. Until I got the inflammation under control, I had to cut my weight on those exercises in half. FYI, although I still have herniated discs, I currently have no pain, and my pulling exercises are heavy again. Do yourself a favor, look up Dr. Stuart McGill and the big 3. They all but fixed my lower back.