Question
Hello Ron,

There is nothing wrong with my spine at the moment but I do train with weights which involves me doing 'squat' exercises with dumbbells.

If the proper technique of keeping the back non-rounded is performed with this exercise, when using heavy weights (say, 80kg) will it still result in long term height loss (even losing half an inch is important to me because I'm only 5ft 9in)?

What I'm trying to ask is whether or not the spinal compression the squat exercise causes will be completely 'reset' by sleeping - or will it cause progressive compression that won't be reset by sleeping and will lead to people who do this exercise being, on average, shorter than those who don't?

Thanks for your time.

From Marc

Answer
Hi Marc,
Thank you for your very interesting and important question. It's not likely that spinal compression exerted on your spine by the 80kg squats will be completely reset by sleeping alone -that is over time. Here's the reason why. We must take into account really four different variables which affect the compression against your spinal discs and cartilage lining your spinal joints. Firstly, there is a the force of gravity which exerts a constant force of compression axially against your spine - 9.80665 m/s2. This never stops and has, of course more impact on your spine when you are upright. Secondly, there is the impact of your own body weight. Thirdly, there is your lifestyle - what do you do that can further cause compression over these structures, then finally, certain weight lifting exercises.  When you factor in all of these variables, as well as a person's unique postural characteristics and even previous trauma, discal compression can be quite significant by the end of day.

As a person ages the natural effectiveness of spinal disc re-hydration is usually diminished somewhat. This can, impart, lead to spinal disc degeneration.  It is for this reason that it is beneficial to consider including inversion therapy as regular part of your training to help compensate for this natural loss of spinal disc re-hydration effectiveness.  Inversion therapy offers great therapeutic/prevention benefits for the spine - especially in the area of generalized gravity induced decompression.  Speak to your spine health specialist and see if your are a good candidate for inversion therapy.  Costs for inversion therapy equipment runs any where between $150.00 - $1000.00 USD, and is available in most fitness equipment stores.  

As a spinal health care expert I am called upon my patients to heal disc related back/neck pain injuries after the trauma has already happened . It is for this reason that they seek out non-surgical spinal decompression.  

I wish more of the general public was better educated in proper lifting habits, lifestyle posture, healthy diet, regular exercise and a workout that included inversion therapy. Give it a try - if your health care specialist thinks it is right for you.

By, the way - one should not under estimate the benefits of a good nights rest as past of a healthy spinal health regimen.

Hope this answer is helpful.
I would appreciate it if you could please take a moment out to rate my response to your question.

Sincerely yours,
Dr. Ron Nusbaum
www.backclinicsofcanada.ca