What Went Wrong for a 20-Year-Old with Multiple Slipped Discs After Gym Training and Supplement Use?

A 20-year-old engineering student from Noida developed multiple slipped discs just months after hitting the gym to bulk up. Driven by the urge to build muscle quickly, he followed intensive weightlifting routines and consumed protein and creatine supplements—all on the advice of a local gym instructor, without any medical consultation.

Within two months, he complained of persistent lower back pain. Soon, tingling sensations began radiating down his legs. An MRI at AIIMS, New Delhi, revealed multiple lumbar disc herniations (L2-S1), which had compressed the spinal nerves.

Dr. Bhavuk Garg, professor of orthopedics at AIIMS, who treated him, says this is no longer unusual. “We are seeing a rising number of young patients with back injuries. Rapid, unsupervised muscle gain through ungraded weightlifting and supplement use is a huge factor,” he notes.

Why weightlifting without supervision can damage your spine

The lumbar spine (L1–L5) is cushioned by discs that act as shock absorbers. But improper exercises such as heavy deadlifts or leg presses create excessive compressive forces on the back. With faulty posture and lack of core strength, these loads can force the gel-like Centre of a disc to push outward—a bulge or herniation, commonly known as a slipped disc.

The concerning trend, Dr. Garg points out, is the growing incidence of multiple disc bulges in young adults, which earlier were more commonly seen with ageing, obesity, or long-term spinal degeneration.

Supplements: An overlooked risk

While the student stopped all supplements during treatment, Dr. Garg stresses that some bodybuilding products may indirectly harm spinal health.

• They can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, weakening muscles and discs.

• Certain powders interfere with collagen metabolism, an essential component for disc strength.

• Many supplements are unregulated and may contain hidden steroids or heavy metals.

  
  

The problem of ‘ego lifting’

Another risky practice seen among young gym-goers is ego lifting—pushing excessive weights encouraged by social media trends or poor gym supervision. “When muscle bulk increases suddenly due to supplements, body mechanics alter. The spine struggles to adapt, causing unnatural stress and injuries,” explains Dr. Garg.

Safe lifting and prevention

• Priorities proper form and posture over heavy weights.

• Engage core muscles during strength training.

• Increase weights gradually under certified supervision.

• Avoid self-prescribed supplements; choose natural protein sources.

Young people with past back pain or spinal problems should consult a doctor or physiotherapist before beginning weight training.

Recovery protocol followed at AIIMS

For the Noida student, the treatment involved:

• Stopping all supplement intake and weight training.

• Starting physiotherapy and core-strengthening routines (planks, spine isometrics).

• Pain relief with medication and local heat therapy.

• Diet modifications with natural proteins instead of artificial boosters.

“Fitness should be about long-term spine and joint health, not just short-term aesthetics,” Dr. Garg concludes.

Aiming for quick muscle gain without medical guidance or supervised training can backfire—leading to slipped discs and long-term disability. Sustainable, medically safe fitness is the key.

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