Why You Should Can Lifting Heavy Weight above Shoulders Cause Etd a Little Every Day

Exercise and strength training are an excellent part of healthy living in which one typically aims at building strength, improving cardio, or increasing their general sense of well-being. However, exercises are not all created equal in nature, and with each comes a set of potential risks, especially if proper form is not observed. One such potential risk happens to be Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, brought on primarily by lifting heavy weights over your shoulders. The article below will show why one should be wary of such exercise, the possible relation between can lifting heavy weight above shoulders cause etd, and how one can protect himself yet still be fit.

1. What Is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

The Eustachian tube is a small canal that links the middle ear to the rear of the nose and upper throat. This canal typically functions to equalize air pressure on both sides of the eardrum and to drain any fluid out of the middle ear. Dysfunction of this tube could give rise to ETD-manifesting symptoms such as earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear, muffled hearing, or even dizziness.

2. The Relation Between Weight Lifting, Heavy and ETD

Heavy lifting of weight, especially above the head, may lead to an increase in the risk of developing ETD because of changes in pressure in the body whenever there is strenuous activity. When lifting heavy weights especially during exercises that include shoulder presses or even overhead lifts, you always find yourself holding your breath and heaving. This Valsalva maneuver, which increases the pressure inside the chest and head, can extend to Eustachian tube pressure. If this pressure becomes too strong, then the tubes become blocked or stop functioning well, leading to the development of ETD.

3. Why It’s More Risky to Lift Heavy Weight Above Your Shoulders

Weight bearing above the head increases stress to the upper body, neck, and head when compared to weights at shoulder height or below. Weights above the head increase contraction of the muscles around the neck and upward shoulder significantly, which may further increase internal pressure. Looking up during a lift can also contribute to neck strain, increasing the pressure around the Eustachian tubes. Lifting in this manner with heavy weights on a regular basis will predispose you to the ETD over a period of time, especially without keeping proper form and breathing techniques.

4. Signs You Could Be Susceptible to ETD

If you perform heavy lifts above your head often and experience any of the following symptoms, you may be at risk of ETD:

• A feeling of fullness or pressure in your ears
• Difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears
• Ear ache, particularly after exercises,
• Tinnitus or ringing noises in the ears
• Dizziness or a feeling of unsteadiness

These are signs that the pressure while lifting is having an effect on your Eustachian tubes, and treating them early will help prevent further complications.

5. How to Protect Yourself While Lifting

If you want to reduce the risks of ETD and still continue enjoying the benefits of weightlifting, here are some helpful tips to consider:

• Use Proper Breathing Techniques: One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to lifting is holding one’s breath. This is something one needs to avoid; rather, you would expel while you lift and inhale while you bring it down. This takes care of the pressure internally.
• Form: Make sure you’re moving right on a lift, especially when you are lifting things over your head. Consider finding a trainer if this is a new movement for you.
• Limit the Weight: If your Weight above the head is causing discomfort or symptoms of ETD, then this is an indication to limit the Weight. Instead, a lighter weight can be lifted with good form compared to heavier weights, which may lead to an injury or other complications.
• Incorporate Stretching and Mobility Exercises: Incorporate frequent stretching and mobility exercises of the neck, shoulders, and upper back to help alleviate tension in these areas, thus minimizing the risk for pressure-related issues.
• Listen to Your Body: Take note if you’re feeling any discomfort or symptoms that seem unusual during or after your workout. If you suspect ETD or other issues may be at hand, take a break and consult with a healthcare professional.

6. When to Consult the Doctor

In case symptoms of ETD persist despite all your precautionary measures, consult with your doctor. Your doctor will then assess your conditions and prescribe the right treatment or an adjustment in your work-out routine. If left untreated, symptoms of ETD could lead to serious ear complications such as chronic ear infections that may cause damaged hearing.

Conclusion

While most lifting exercises contribute to strength gain and are great in that manner, they also encompass some potential risks, one of which is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. In turn, by knowing how lifting could be affecting your ears, you’ll take steps to protect yourself and can enjoy the full benefit of your workout while minimizing the chances of ETD. Keep in mind that exercise is meant to augment your health, not to diminish it; hence, it is always important to observe and adhere to instructions on safety and proper technique.