So for some time now back squats have been aggravating my lower back, to the point where I cannot even squat 135 without some serious discomfort. What is confusing me is that I can still do good mornings, front squats, deadlifts, rows, etc. without any problem at all.
I’ve tried taking time off only to have the pain come back as soon as I returned to the gym. Stretching, foam rolling, and hip mobility work have been of little help either.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what the problem may be and what steps I could take towards being able to back squat again?
Maybe it’s your psoas? The “standing low back traction” and “lying low back traction” at Strength Training, Bodybuilding & Online Supplement Store - T NATION have done wonders for my back. I’d do it once per day at least, maybe more.
I had an issue that SOUNDS similar to yours. Funny how many posts I’m finding that were similar to what I tried to post.
I had back pn with back squats. I could do SLDL’s, front squats, and good mornings too. I kept doing them then at some point those exercises were affected. My best bet would be to lay off til it heals, and obviously try to figure out why it’s hurting.
You say you are working on your flexibility. Are you hitting the right stretches?
How is your flexibility in your thigh external rotators, hamstring/lateral hamstring?
I stretch my calves, hamstrings, quads, and hips daily as well as working those areas with a foam roller or lacrosse ball. While helping some of the other issues I’ve been having, it has not helped at all with getting me back squatting pain free.
How long have you felt the pain and how long have you been trying to ‘fix’ it? You should see a proper professional. If it IS an imbalance thing totally out of whack, it won’t be immediate that you’ll reap the benefits of stretching etc. It takes a while. Does this affect your daily life? If so you gotta see a Dr. or something.
[quote]earthquake wrote:
How long have you felt the pain and how long have you been trying to ‘fix’ it? You should see a proper professional. If it IS an imbalance thing totally out of whack, it won’t be immediate that you’ll reap the benefits of stretching etc. It takes a while. Does this affect your daily life? If so you gotta see a Dr. or something.[/quote]
The problem started several months months ago after a 20 rep squat session. After that I backed off for awhile and did a lot of prehab/rehab type stuff and was squatting again in a few weeks. Then about two months ago it came back again and hasn’t really gone away since.
It doesn’t really affect my daily life at all. I have no back pain during the day, I can play golf, tennis, pretty much anything. The only time it appears is if I try to back squat, even with light weight I feel a sharp pinch in my lower back. The pain seems to be a few inches above the glutes and always happens as I am finishing the squat.
Ever consider GOING TO THE DOCTOR?
Jason
[quote]JPeggEFS wrote:
Ever consider GOING TO THE DOCTOR?
Jason[/quote]
This.
[quote]JPeggEFS wrote:
Ever consider GOING TO THE DOCTOR?
Jason[/quote]
Of course. Only one small problem though… I’m fucking broke.
Going to the doctor is pretty logical… HOWEVER, I had back problems for almost 3 years and went to numerous doctors. When it comes to sport injuries, most doctors are useless. If I were you I’d try to find a sports chiro or sports therapist who has experience with weight lifting.
[quote]rcsermas wrote:
[quote]JPeggEFS wrote:
Ever consider GOING TO THE DOCTOR?
Jason[/quote]
Of course. Only one small problem though… I’m fucking broke.[/quote]
And this is why I’m glad I live in Canada.