Deadlifting Problems

**Tayman** · 09-22-2003, 09:03 PM

A few days ago I went to deadlift my former 3 rep max and had a very strange problem...

I picked up the weight with no problem for the first two reps, but my hand and forearms started seriously tingling on my third rep. I know I would have been able to do more if this didn't happen.

I have found that I am much more out of breath than usual as well. I have had high blood pressure at one time in my life, but all the readings are normal now(im only 23 years old). It's kind of frustrating because I know I would be able to add 50lbs to my deadlift easy without these problems. Suggestions?

The only thing I am trying to do now is build my endurance up to see if that helps.

**BigMike J** · 09-22-2003, 09:56 PM

I konw exactly what you are talking about but like a dumbass i did not get it checked out, however im still ok. I first thought it was my blood pressure, but now i think it might have just been the intense strain that i put on myself.

I felt like my head was either going to explode or pass out.

I did have my blood pressure checked at the store, and everything checked out ok. So im not sure. Bumb this shit up. Anybody else have this problem?

**Dude-Man** · 09-23-2003, 08:51 PM

the issue at hand here may actually be you putting pressure on a nerve when deadlifting heavy. A lot of guys' arms slump like crazy when they deadlift, so train your traps a little, maybe even conciously keep your arms up when you're dl'ing. i would also suggest some forearm exercises if you don't do any, if a lack of hand strength really is the problem.

**Tayman** · 09-23-2003, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by chrisAdams

the issue at hand here may actually be you putting pressure on a nerve when deadlifting heavy. A lot of guys' arms slump like crazy when they deadlift, so train your traps a little, maybe even conciously keep your arms up when you're dl'ing. i would also suggest some forearm exercises if you don't do any, if a lack of hand strength really is the problem.

hmm

Well I know that I had some grip issues before, but now it seems to be ok. (I did bodyweight pullups until I could crank out 30 or so) My biggest issue now is my internal organs. It doesn't seem like my body can take much more. (Feels like my heart is literally about to explode through my neck. Along with the tingling in my right hand). It is a feeling I'm not really used to. I don't know if I am pushing my self to far. I don't need to drop dead in the weight room. heh

So you suggest that I keep my arms up high? Seems like I pull with my back more when I try that. I will train my traps a lot more before I deadlift again and see if that helps.

**Tayman** · 09-24-2003, 02:19 AM

Originally Posted by chrisAdams

the issue at hand here may actually be you putting pressure on a nerve when deadlifting heavy. A lot of guys' arms slump like crazy when they deadlift, so train your traps a little, maybe even conciously keep your arms up when you're dl'ing. i would also suggest some forearm exercises if you don't do any, if a lack of hand strength really is the problem.

Ok, I have been thinking about what you said and decided to do my own test. I did a weightless shrug and dropped my arms rapidly as if I had just picked up a weight (simulating a deadlift). I immediately had the same feeling I was talking about earlier. (It sucks just as much; tingling)

So, will training my traps more really solve this problem, or will I need to completely revamp my form? My traps already overpower my shoulders...so I guess I have two things I need to hit like a madman. :/
This does make sense though, because I felt the most resistance in my traps when deadlifting last time. First it was my lower back, then once I trained my lower back well enough, my grip started giving out. Now that my grip is fine, I see I need to train my traps..

Besides heavy shrugs, what else do you guys suggest for traps? Would stronger shoulders help prevent this horrible feeling as well?

Thanks for your informative response.

**BigArnie** · 09-25-2003, 05:56 AM

Are you sure your arms are completely straight before commencing the lift? I always use the analogy that you cannot tow a car using a slack rope. Same thing with the deadlift.

**goldenear** · 09-30-2003, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by Tayman

My biggest issue now is my internal organs. It doesn't seem like my body can take much more. (Feels like my heart is literally about to explode through my neck. Along with the tingling in my right hand). It is a feeling I'm not really used to. I don't know if I am pushing my self to far. I don't need to drop dead in the weight room. heh

This is no laughing matter, bro! There have been way too many strokes and MI's occuring in athletes to just shrug this off. You should follow up immediately with your doc and have a full blood workup for screening purposes.

After you get the nod from the medical establishment, then start working on your pulls.

**BigArnie** · 10-01-2003, 01:07 AM

Very true. Your health is not someting to put on the line for this sport.

**Darkknight442** · 11-04-2003, 03:24 PM

hey man... go get yourself chekce dout by a specialist if its that bad... i mean for me i have a problem when i shrug right behind my neck just about the top of my shoulder level i get this sharp pain liek osmone is sticking a needle in my neck... it hurts a lot... someone said that i may be strecting the ligament tooo much... that shit happens.. you have to remeber that sits not a puny amount of weight you are lifting.... you have to be careful... your bicepts or legs can be strong but does not mean you donot have to be weary of all your ligaments and nerve endings and stuff... go see a dr.. you might have angered something..

i hope this makes sense sorry i am at work trying to hurry

**brianW.** · 11-18-2003, 08:05 PM

Sounds like you may be experiencing a pinched nerve,but as always, if shit don't feel right,go to a doctor,can't go wrong with that.
You mentioned having lower back trouble as well. If you are having lower back pain while pulling you are doing something wrong.Do you lift sumo or conventional? If your form is correct the lower back should damn near be taken out of the movement. I pull sumo style and don't use a belt, and I have pulled pretty damn close to 800lbs., with no lower back pain at all.
Look in the September 2003 issue of powerlifting usa, page 10.It is an article on deadlifting, my picture is in the center of the page. It may contain some helpful info for you.

**goodtobeapimp** · 01-30-2004, 01:49 AM

I've felt similar problems.I started training my forearms more consistantly and the pain eventually went away.I'm not saying you'll experience the same but its possible..Also when i was a sophmore in high school i busted a blood vessel in my eyes from deadlifting.It wasnt a big deal but it really freaked the hell out of me at the time.

**kdawg21** · 01-31-2004, 08:08 PM

THe hip and leg mucles are the largest in the body and require the most blood and oxygen. Intense training can cause a lack of circulation and oxygenation and lead to things like a tingling sensation, headaches, blackouts, excesive yawning...... etc. Its natural..... However, I would go to a doctor if I thought it was serious