Thread: These damn squats!

a trip to the physio might be in order if it still hurts. and really, its not something you want to be taking chances with.

start lighter on the squats, do some light deadlifts. Im training guys that have pathetic lower backs, they can bench this, leg press that, but 90lb deadlifts destroy their lower back, and im finding its very common. start light and build up.

Rest it and ice it for now. If the pain persists after a few days to a week and doesn't seem to be getting better, then seek out a physician. It sounds like it was just some kind of strain, and in a very common spot, but I would take that guess with a grain of salt because I can't diagnose it properly over the Internet, even if I was qualified to do so.

Is your form dead on? It should be.

You could try some hyperextensions to build up strength in the lower back.

The best advice has already been given; rest and ice. I've strained that same muscle(s) more times than I'd like to admit. When it gets better and you go back to squatting keep your form perfect and sloooooooow dooooooown. Take three full seconds to go down, pause for a full second at the bottom and take three full seconds to come back up. This will not only reduce your chances of injury, it'll be great for your leg development.

Originally Posted by ALBOB

The best advice has already been given; rest and ice. I've strained that same muscle(s) more times than I'd like to admit. When it gets better and you go back to squatting keep your form perfect and sloooooooow dooooooown. Take three full seconds to go down, pause for a full second at the bottom and take three full seconds to come back up. This will not only reduce your chances of injury, it'll be great for your leg development.

I wouldn't slow down the concentric part of any lift TBH. It's unnatural. I dunno about slowing down the rest. I usually just lower the weight in a controlled fashion and then explode upwards.

Originally Posted by Witchblade

I wouldn't slow down the concentric part of any lift TBH. It's unnatural. I dunno about slowing down the rest. I usually just lower the weight in a controlled fashion and then explode upwards.

There's nothing unnatural about a slow concentric. I just makes the exercise more taxing.

On the other hand, you don't want to just go limp either. That's would really lead to injury. Also, you don't want to cheat by bouncing out of the hole.

Good Lord, it almost sounds like I'm talking about sex.

I had some lower back pain doing squats. I lowered the amount of weight and paid better attention to my form to make sure I wasn't leaning forward too much pushing up with my back instead of legs. Haven't had any back pain since....thankfully.
Doing hyper extensions is another good suggestion from previous post that has helped me.

I just tweaked my back last night. Damn was it a painful tweak. However I iced it for 30mins and heated for 30mins. Took some tylenol and it seems to be getting better. Just be patient it normally works itself out. How ever never mix a pain reliever with a workout, if this happens you never know if something is hurting it or not and could cause more serious injury.

as mentioned earlier, pay close attention to your form. I know a couple guys who hurt their back while squatting with light weight... I think it's their mind set. Since it's not alot of weight, they didn't focus as much as they should have. This one schmoe actually refuses to train legs now... says he "can't" because it'll hurt his back.