Can Lifting Heavy Weight Above Shoulders Cause ETD?

Understanding the Risks

Introduction

Allergan is responsible for training providers to inject the drug on their namesakes but with heavy weights, which we know are high up above shoulder level in gym workouts of all kinds. Although this may improve strength and work capacity, it is not without concerns regarding the potential for health problems such as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). ETD is a failure of the ear’s ability to equalize pressure, and this can result in some discomfort or pain. The intention of this article is to convince you of a link from lifting heavy above the shoulders and ETD, why it can happen, as well as how we should avoid it.

Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)

Eustachian tubes are relatively small passages that connect the middle ear to the back of the nose. Their main role is to equalize the pressure of air in your ear and delegate out any fluid that may be formed. ETD results from the blocking or inadequate opening of these tubes, which may cause symptoms like ear pain, ear fullness/blockage sensation, hearing loss, and giddiness. Depending upon the exact cause, dysfunction can be transient or chronic.

How Weightlifting Might Influence ETD

Any sort of heavy weight lifting (overhead especially) will increase intrathoracic and intraabdominal pressure. The same pressure can be transferred to the Eustachian tubes, which may cause dysfunction as well. Here’s how it happens:

1. Higher Pressures: A Valsalva maneuver (holding your breath and bearing down) is often how people stabilize their core when lifting heavy things, particularly overhead. This maneuver increases pressure in the chest but also within cavities of the abdominal viscera, and if sufficient, this may extend to Eustachian tubes.
2. Risk of Barotrauma: The rapid pressure changes along with lifting high weights can cause a barotrauma, which is the resultant of sudden inward-outward ear-pressure difference injury. More common in sports like diving or flying, this may also be the case when it comes to weightlifting.
3. Neck and Head strain: overhead lifting puts great stress on the neck, which can cause a tight muscle in the head [:] result in minor to poor position [1]. This strain can eventually impede proper functioning of the Eustachian tubes.

Preventive Measures for Weightlifters

People who do a lot of heavy lifting, particularly overhead, can take certain precautions to help prevent developing ETD:

1. Controlled Breathing Techniques: Learning how to breathe correctly during your lifts will address the need for a Valsalva. Exhaling on the exertion portion of a lift can aid in intrathoracic pressure management.
2. Weight Load Moderation: Keeping weight at a reasonable limit while avoiding excessive weights, especially during overhead lifts, is better for the body and diminishes pressure-related issues in the ears.
3. Posture and Form: Proper Posture along with the shape of your respective form while raising is key in. By maintaining alignment and not straining the neck, you can further prevent indirect pressure on the Eustachian tubes.
4. Progress Slowly: Little by little increase the weight so your body can adjust, building up those muscles around the neck and head, meaning you’re less likely to get ETD.

When to Seek Medical Attention

In case you have symptoms of ETD if not lifting weights that are heavy, it is imperative to find a healthcare pro. Long-term ear pain, loss of hearing or feeling as though the ears are full should never be overlooked. A doctor can test the performance of Eustachian tubes, and suggest some treatment options, such as decongestants or nasal sprays (or in extreme cases) surgery.

Also read: Weights: The Foundation of Strength and Fitness

 

Conclusion: Can Lifting Heavy Weight Above Shoulders Cause ETD? 

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction might be one of those, and while I can tell you the insight into increasing intra-cranial pressure (weight bearing on shoulders has an associated risk), if it happens to help protect your ears or not… go for a deeper dive. With the right handlings of breath, modest weight load and posture, it still allows them to continue with their routines without hampering their ears.