Originally Posted by dfauteux

2 years ago I hurt my back at work, I work making granite countertops. 6 monthes after that I hurt it again. I started working out during that time, but never did lower back. But after the 2nd injury I decided maybe I should strengthen it. I started deadlifting and doing good mornings etc, and after 1 year I thought for sure my back was completely better. But doing squats this week I reinjured it and now the physiotherapist says he thinks my vertebrae could be cracked. I can barely stand up straight. I had 265 on the rack which is lighter then I usually do , it was my first set and after about 8 reps I felt something wrong with my back so I racked the weight and quit for the night. The next day I was aching pretty bad and come to find out I injured my back. My question is when I get back to working out again what can I do for my legs? I work out at home and I have no leg press or calf machine. I was doing squats, leg, ext, lunges, leg curls, standing calf raises with barbell and dbs, stiff legged deads, lunges . (not all on the same workout, these are just the exercises I can do at home). I am kinda nervous right now to jump into squats again what could I do instead to build mass in the legs? I eventually will get to squatting but am hoping the phsyio can help me to get my back healed up to near 100% first.