Cervical protrusion

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

So I friend of mine wants to do SSLP however seems like through past training he got a cervical protrusion, this is his explanation:

“A cervical protrusion means a start of an erniation of the vertebra c5 c6, it maybe have been caused by wrong movements and too much push in during my training. It make me feel a lot of pain and also I usually have muscular contraction from the neck to the interscapolar region. For now, I can only make exercise for arms and back and a little of chest. Doctors told me that maybe this protrusions are due to wrong squat excercise”

Could he do the protocol you guys talked about? (As in test the movements, identify where it hurts and work from there) Or you wouldn’t prescribe SSLP for this person yet?

Of course his doctor said loading a barbell on his back is a no-no, but I reckon you guys can think of some more… nuance to this.

2

This isn’t enough information for us to make a clear recommendation and unfortunately, it seems like your friend’s explanation makes it seems like he doesn’t have a complete explanation either.

However, cervical protrusion (a herniation where a portion of the disc pushes through the soft tissue enveloping it) without radicular (nerve) signs and without fragment sequestration tend to be non operative cases and he can train, ideally under the eye of a skilled coach to help manage expectations and give advice from a position of perceived authority. Both of these things tend to help pain outcomes.