Physical Fitness Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for physical fitness professionals, athletes, trainers, and those providing health-related needs. It only takes a minute to sign up.
Sign up to join this community
I've read that doing weighted pull-up and dips with weight using straps can lead to hernia and lower back problems.
(specifically damaging intervertebral disc and pressuring femoral artery(with straps))
How true is this? (I'm 172cm, 85kg) using ~12kg backpack for pull-ups and dips, was going to use ~20-24kg weight with straps on belt
Short answer
Don't worry about it.
Longer answer
Weight belts are NOT going to give you any problems unless you pack on an obscene amount of weights. And this is a catch-22 anyway, because the weight you'd need to strap to yourself is way more than you'd ever be able to do pullups or dips with.
You should always opt for a belt which can be tightened pretty snugly around your waist. And the more surface area the belt covers, the better, because it spreads the pressure out.
Backpacks, I have less experience with in terms of dips and pullups. But in the army, we ran 30k (~18.6 miles) with pretty substantial backpacks, in addition to helmets, rifles and vests. We also did a lot of obstacle courses with the same stuff imposed on us. I have a hard time seeing that we'd be doing this if it were known to cause back problems.
This is of course barring any problems you have already which might be worsened through physical exercise.
About herniae
I have an umbilical hernia (which I've not yet opted to treat because it's not causing any problems), and I've had a couple visits to the doctor just to get some info on it.
First off, there are a large set of different ways a hernia can arise. Physical exercise doesn't usually cause it, but it can make existing herniae more protruding and more noticable.
Personally, I notice mine when doing abdominal work, but this is because mine is located at the belly button, and I suppose is subjected to some pressure when my abs are flexing.
Progressive weights and good forms are usually deterrent against injuries. when it comes to weightlifting.
The exercise itself will not result in any injury; however, you'll injure yourself if you use a weight your body isn't prepared to carry. This is because the weight will be automatically shifted to the lowest part of your back, where more pressure will be applied.
Also, using a wide belt like this
properly distributes the weight and reduces the pressure on your spine.
So, use a good belt, start with low weights and progressively increase it, and use proper form and you should be safe.
