Behind every public figure's appearance lies a personal health and beauty regimen. This series examines the diets, workouts, procedures, and fashion and lifestyle choices of people in the spotlight.

Han Go-eun
Han Go-eun

Shin Young-soo, the husband of actor Han Go-eun, was hospitalized and underwent a medical procedure after suffering sudden back pain and radiating leg pain. He had a pre-existing herniated disc condition, and overexertion during exercise is believed to have worsened it.

A video recently posted to Han's YouTube channel was titled "My husband called me in tears during filming — I ended up rushing to the hospital at 4 a.m."

Han described the situation in the video, saying her husband first called to say his back had suddenly flared up and he was heading to the hospital. He then called again to say he was in a wheelchair and would need a procedure.

Han finished filming around 3 a.m. and went straight to the hospital, where she cared for her husband for three days. "He had a herniated disc to begin with, and I think he pushed himself too hard with exercise," she said. "As you get older, you can't just work out however you want."

Shin also described the experience, saying the pain radiated down his right leg and left it feeling paralyzed. "It was a situation where I had to have the procedure done as an emergency right away," he said.

Back pain that shoots down the leg — what happens when a disc presses on a nerve

The condition commonly known as a "herniated disc" is medically termed lumbar disc herniation.

Between each vertebra sits an intervertebral disc that acts as a shock-absorbing cushion. When the soft inner core of a disc pushes outward and compresses or inflames nearby nerves, it can cause not only lower back pain but also pain or numbness radiating through the buttocks, thighs, calves and feet — a symptom known as radiculopathy.

Where the pain appears depends on which nerve is being compressed. The leg may feel numb or as though it is being pulled, and in more severe cases, reduced sensation or weakness in the leg can accompany the pain.

Herniated discs rarely have a single cause. With age, the discs lose moisture and elasticity, reducing their ability to absorb impact. Prolonged sitting, repeated strain on the back and poor posture also play a role.

Insufficient physical activity can weaken the muscles around the lower back and abdomen, making it harder to provide stable support to the spine.

On the other hand, exercising more does not automatically mean a healthier back. Suddenly ramping up intensity without adequate preparation, lifting heavy weights, or repeatedly bending and twisting the lower back can aggravate an existing back condition.

Exercise helps back health — but pushing harder when it hurts makes things worse

Appropriate exercise is important for back health. Aerobic activity such as walking, combined with strengthening the abdominal, gluteal and lower back muscles, helps support the spine and reduce the load placed on the back during daily life.

Strength exercises such as squats and bridges can also be beneficial, provided they are performed with correct form and suited to the individual's condition.

However, the calculus changes once back pain or radiating leg pain has already set in. Pushing through the pain or suddenly increasing workout intensity on the assumption that building more muscle will fix the problem is best avoided.

It is also difficult to label any particular sport as universally bad for the back. Activities involving repeated trunk rotation — such as golf or bowling — and strokes requiring large back movements, such as butterfly or breaststroke, can trigger symptoms in some patients with back conditions, but the impact varies greatly depending on the individual's diagnosis and exercise form.

Swimming is often cited as a low-impact option for the back, but not every stroke suits every patient. If back or leg pain worsens during exercise, stop the movement and consult a professional about what approach suits your condition.

More than ordinary back pain — see a doctor if leg weakness or bladder problems develop

Most cases of back pain do not signal a serious condition. However, if the pain persists for an extended period, worsens over time, or is accompanied by radiating pain that travels from the buttocks down the leg, it is worth seeking a proper diagnosis.

Neurological symptoms — such as noticeable weakness in the legs or diminished sensation — warrant evaluation by a medical professional.

Severe back pain combined with difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function, or abnormal sensation around the perineum, may indicate a medical emergency in which the nerves are under serious compression. In such cases, prompt hospital care is essential.

When it comes to back health, the key to exercise is not doing more but doing what is right for your body. Building core and spinal support through consistent physical activity and strength training is valuable in the long run, but once pain and radiating symptoms appear, listening to what the body is signaling should take priority over pushing through.


rainbow@heraldcorp.com