CST injury question

[jvh]

Hi all,
Just started CST in December and I'm enjoying it immensely. I've had no problems yet but want to be informed. I've been training in Girevoy Sport for about 9 months now. I have a Russian coach and I've done the GS instructor certification under the US Girevoy Sport Federation. Lately, I've been getting back pain from disc compression as a result of high rep jerks with 2 32kg bells. The coach says this is a normal occurance and will go away. My chiropractor says otherwise- stop now before you get really hurt. I've taken a break and will recover for a bit before I start with the bells again.
So far, working with the clubs has given me no problems. Of course, as a beginner I'm not using much weight (15lb clubs). I like to push the envelope though, so I'll be moving up in weight as soon as I can (in proper form).
My question:
Are there certain common injuries I should be aware of while practicing CST?
Thanks for your time and help. jvh

[Scott Sonnon]

Hi all,
Just started CST in December and I'm enjoying it immensely. I've had no problems yet but want to be informed. I've been training in Girevoy Sport for about 9 months now. I have a Russian coach and I've done the GS instructor certification under the US Girevoy Sport Federation. Lately, I've been getting back pain from disc compression as a result of high rep jerks with 2 32kg bells. The coach says this is a normal occurance and will go away. My chiropractor says otherwise- stop now before you get really hurt. I've taken a break and will recover for a bit before I start with the bells again.
So far, working with the clubs has given me no problems. Of course, as a beginner I'm not using much weight (15lb clubs). I like to push the envelope though, so I'll be moving up in weight as soon as I can (in proper form).
My question:
Are there certain common injuries I should be aware of while practicing CST?
Thanks for your time and help. jvh

Jeff,

I understand the injury. Due to the nature of repetitive kettlebell jerks, there is a risk of lumbar disc compression being the weak link in the chain of shock absorption - especially if there is any hyperlordosis.

Although it may appear that way initially, CST isn't another collection of exercises which are either redundant or complementary. It's actually a specific "3 winged" system of balancing tension and relaxation appropriately throughout your body-matrix, and making you more powerful as a result.

Serendipitously, I'm working on a short article on compensation you can do for kettlebell sport for the upcoming RMAX monthly newsletter.

[jvh]

Mr. Sonnen,
Thanks for the reply. You've really developed something special here with your training (btw, I don't give compliments easily;) ). I'll be looking for that article in the RMAX magazine because I'd like to compete in GS as well as Olympic Clubbell Sport. I'll be training hard (but smart) in preparation for your CST course. See you in February.

jvh

[KD Jones]

Isn't disc compression something to fear in any case? Doesn't it bear the risk of protrusion (or something else), with just the slightest accident of mechanics?

(Of course, I say this from the standpoint of someone who is recovering from a protruding disc, which has shown its willingness to return with the help of a mere week's power outage and complications... so I perhaps have more fear than most should?)

[Nick1974]

a specific "3 winged" system of balancing tension and relaxation appropriately throughout your body-matrix, and making you more powerful as a result.

An excellent synopsis of CST.

[KD Jones]

An excellent synopsis of CST.

Um, that's what I meant to say. Thanks Nick, for always being there.

[Connie Brown]

Isn't disc compression something to fear in any case? Doesn't it bear the risk of protrusion (or something else), with just the slightest accident of mechanics?
KD think of the difference between stress and strain.

Compressing is how a disk does one of its many jobs -it's made to help absorb and retranslate force.

Not being able to bounce back, or to be squirted out, would be beyond stress into strain (deformation) and a bad thing.

[KD Jones]

I have a lot to learn, obviously... I was thinking that if the decompression were a longer-term process, that it would be evidence of excessive strain. IE, non-injurious compression being something that the body recovers more quickly. But then (as I've said) I fear for backs now...

[Scott Sonnon]

KD think of the difference between stress and strain.

Compressing is how a disk does one of its many jobs -it's made to help absorb and retranslate force.

Not being able to bounce back, or to be squirted out, would be beyond stress into strain (deformation) and a bad thing.

Connie, well written.

Jeff, the article has been posted to the Member Article Archive: http://www.rmaxinternational.com/forum/showthread.php?p=109716