Here is an interesting study that shows what heavy weight training can do for you
in terms of spinal conditioning. Note that bone scans of the world’s heaviest squatter
revealed the highest bone mineral density reported to date. MRI also revealed normal
alignment, no evidence of disc herniation or compressive disc disease. So much for
all those critics who decry heavy lifting training because it is “dangerous for the spine”!
The upper range of lumbar spine bone mineral density? An examination
of the current world record holder in the squat lift. Int J Sports Med
2000 Oct;21(7):469-70
Dickerman RD, Pertusi R, Smith GH.
Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Weight-bearing exercise is known to improve bone mineral density,
however, excessive forces exerted on the lumbar spine can be
pathologic. Cadaveric studies have calculated a
hypothetical “critical compression force” at which the lumbar spine
would suffer collapse. In addition, recent studies have suggested
that bone density correlates with strength. Thus far studies have
failed to examine elite power athletes to determine the possible
upper range for bone mineral density and critical compression force.
Therefore, we recruited the current world record holder in the squat
lift, with a record squat lift >469 kg, for an examination of lumbar
spine bone mineral density. The subject had dual energy x-ray
absorptometry (DEXA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed
of the lumbar spine. The subject also had serum chemistries, cell
blood count and testosterone levels performed.
DEXA scan revealed the highest bone mineral density reported to date. MRI revealed normal
alignment, no evidence of disc herniation or compressive disc
disease. There was no frank or neural foraminal canal stenosis. The
estimated compressive force generated on his lumbar spine during the
squat lift of > 469 kg doubles the previously reported critical
compression force. This case study supports the previously described
relationship between strength and bone density and redefines the
upper limits of bone density in strength athletes.