Cervical Spine Herniation and Training

[mprevost]

Hi Coach

Seems like I read somewhere that you had a cervical spine fusion. I have multiple herniations, confirmed with MRI and EMG.

Feel like I should be strengthening my neck and traps. Wondering if power cleans would be OK. Currently no problems deadlifting if head position is controlled carefully. Also wondering if low range of motion and isometric neck work (with head harness) would be OK.

45 years old, just looking to stay as bulletproof as I can and maintain muscle/strength and joint function. Would be interested in your thoughts and experiences if you have time. Thanks.

Mike

[Mark Rippetoe]

I wouldn't clean if I were you. The slamming won't be good. Your herniations may be stable if there are no bone spurs that will damage the nerve roots. They may even heal. You can do everything in the program, but cleans, and probably snatches too, will not help your neck.

[mprevost]

Thanks coach. Will not do cleans and snatches. Too bad because I really miss cleans. I guess "a man's gotta know his limitations."