Quick update:
Saw the doc about my neck - no issies. My cervical spine is healthy, the pain is likely muscular or stress related.
Also, down to 246, I was 250 when I submitted that picture. Seeing good results with single leg trainibg and rotating rep ranges+ workouts.
I have spent literal years trying to figure this out, and finally figured out that I feel 1000% better if I go low bar with a wider stance. May be worth a shot for you.
I have done those, but I cant hit depth with a wider stance. What worked really great was sandbag/stone squats. Im actually looking to make my own again, as my current gym only goes up to 100lbs.
I have started trying good mornings with the safety squat bar. Those are pretty similar. I allow for some knee bend and it effectually becomes the top half of a low bar squat. The Safety bar is interesting, as I noticed holding the handles adds a good element of mid-upper abdominal stimulation.
Dad is actually getting a lot better. First time in two moths he is walking on his own. Its been a hell of a ride between him, my job, and family.
If youāre interested, I find best results with slightly wider stance and feet pointed forward. Some groin/hip stretches (ie, butterfly stretch and mountain climbers) before a lift help me a ton.
Granted, if what you are doing works for you, then definitely stay on your own course. Never any good reason to deviate from success. Just spitballing ideas here