Going sumo on the deadlift

[shortybrolick]

Do to a herniated disc Im having alot of trouble deadlifting lately. I know its not my strength, however when i attempt the initial pull the lack of mobility/flexibility makes me feel like my lower back is going to literally snap.
I think its more of a mental thing to be honest, once i experience this feeling it just takes everything out of me.. I feel completely defeated and its actually depressing. LOL..
Please do not post about deadlifts and squats causing injurys and this and that, i don't want to hear it... I'm having no problems squatting and i will continue to hopefully deadlift as well.

Long story short now: I'm wondering do you think switching to a Sumo rather then Conventional [my normal stance] will help with this issue?
I am completely unexperienced with the sumo deadlifting stance..

Any tips? Input?

Now to leave you with some humor from our good friend Mike Tyson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw47gXsDwjw
35 seconds in . Enjoy

[cobra305]

I have two herniated discs in my back and switched to sumo deads very recently and found that it si a bit easier on my back. This could be mental but I found that it helps me. good luck with your back.

[xxxl83]

sumo's may help b/c they shorten your rom, Plus for me anyway allow me to get in a better position to start the pull (easier to sit back and down). Just remember to keep the bar as close to you as you can, Most back issues are caused when the bar gets too far in front of you.
Also remember to keep a tight lower back while relaxing you're upper back. (don't retract ur shoulder blades)

xxxl83

[xxxl83]

Oh one more thing i forgot be sure to push the belly hard against the belt!!!!
Soooooo many people think that you just tighten ur belt and thats all there is to it and that is certainly not the case!!!
Not saying this applies to you but, way too many people have no clue how to properly use a belt, i know it sounds stupid but it's true and if you look around you're gym you'll see it's true. It's probably one of the most common mistakes in the gym.

xxxl83

[Jahcuree]

What about trying rack deadlifts? also, when describing the lift it kindof sounds like you jerk it off the floor? maybe not but if you do, ease into the lift until it comes off the floor (just incase ) GL

[LatissimusaurousRex]

Make sure you are bringing your hips forward and squeezing your glutes to prevent pulling with your lower back. You should feel it most in your glutes, and hammies. If your lower back feels like it's gonna "snap" try and get someone (who knows proper technique) to watch you and double check your form. You don't want a back injury.

[Nooomoto]

What about trying rack deadlifts? also, when describing the lift it kindof sounds like you jerk it off the floor? maybe not but if you do, ease into the lift until it comes off the floor (just incase ) GL

I don't think rack pulls would help in his case because they are used to train a specific portion of the deadlift movement, not to replace the entire deadlift.

Sumo is worth a try as it is less distance traveled = less stress to vulnerable parts of your body.

Worth a shot. Let us know how it goes.

[shortybrolick]

This has been an on going problem for me for the last few weeks. I appreciate all the input. I'm gonna pay extra attention to my form with the conventional stance and take a anti inflamm, and if needed i will try the sumo. Ill keep ya posted.

[shortybrolick]

Well I deadlifted yesterday.. I felt a bit better but still far from 100%..

I warmed up with 225, 315 then hit 405 for 8, then i planned on doing 505 for 3 , which i usually will hit for 4-6 [this was supposed to be an easy hit]... ... After one rep, i felt that nagging dull pain which killed me mentally -- reset for the second and gave up like a lil b1tch...

I tried the sumo and im not likeing the feel of it. Although it did lessen the range of motion even more [im already 5'5 with long arms and short legs] It seemed to take way too much emphasis off the back to the point that it seems to defeat the purpose of the move [for me] . (( I like the deadlift for back Thickness, Overall strength, and Huge trap development ))

I've been deadlifting completely raw, Just chalk-- I'm not against a belt but just choose not to use one.. However this is my next step in the quest to regain my deadlift!! The belt will have to be used..