Dead Lifts.........................

[Times Roman]

I've been real reluctant to incorporate the deadlift into my program due to some arthritis in the lower back. But I feel the need to "getter done". Any of you deadlifters have lower back problems, and how do you compensate? Any advice?

[sean_holland]

I have a perpetually pulled lower back (bad mattress). To be honest I find that the dead lifts help even with that more then they hurt. I would try a few lighter sets 12-15 or even 20 and see how your back responds.

[Times Roman]

I have a perpetually pulled lower back (bad mattress). To be honest I find that the dead lifts help even with that more then they hurt. I would try a few lighter sets 12-15 or even 20 and see how your back responds.

I'll probably take your advice. Low weights. Low reps to start. See how it feels. If i can handle, then move up to low weights and higher reps. I watching a deadlift video posted by another this morning, and the guy was admirably going 500lbs EASILY. But short guys with short little legs usually excel in this area. But I'm considerably taller with long legs (runners legs), so a big disadvantage there. So I'm thinking maybe if I figure a way to cradle the weights off the ground somehow, to minimize all the bending over?

[l2elapse]

be careful with light sets as form usually gets worse as the reps go up

[BigBuck6]

I used to dead heavy until an accident back in October where another lifter dropped his weight and hit mine. It took months to recover and the main thing you need to work through is MUSCLE MEMORY of the incident. Stick light say 135 for example and really concentrate on intensity and proper form. Right now my dead routine is 9 sets of 11 @ 135lb. Stay light and work through it!

[Times Roman]

Thanks for the encouragement. My squats are 100% dialed in. but this damn deadlift thing. I'm seriously leaning towards doing it. Since my legs are a little longer, and I'd have to bend more than the average hombre, I'm probably going to put my weights on some kind of pedestal, raise it off the ground somehow, to reduce how much initial bending I'll be doing. Now that I'm at this stage, it usually takes a week for things to gel and get on it. So the high reps thing with light weight is out. Won't go over 10. Thansk all!

[shortybrolick]

I have a slipped disc... Just remember to keep form strict and don't sacrifice it to pull more weight.. That was a problem of mine !!

Maybe you could try stretching more to increase flexibility [throughout the posterior chain] .....

[cherrydrpepper]

I used to dead heavy until an accident back in October where another lifter dropped his weight and hit mine. It took months to recover and the main thing you need to work through is MUSCLE MEMORY of the incident. Stick light say 135 for example and really concentrate on intensity and proper form. Right now my dead routine is 9 sets of 11 @ 135lb. Stay light and work through it!

Can you explain how the accident happened?

I deadlifted today. When I first started I used to hop on the back extension machine after each set, and I was doing high rep sets.

I also do a really basic back stretch. There are a ton of them on youtube if you need some.

Finally I am a warm up sets addict.. My deadlift warmup today included 6 sets of warmup with only a few reps in each warmup set. I go up a little on each set and when im done I am ready to up the weight a little to my workout weight and start my real sets. I find its a huge help to me psychologically.. I feel it helps lessen my chances of getting injured considerably. This focuses my mind because I have a lot less "what if" going on in my head

[NBRD1808]

But I'm considerably taller with long legs (runners legs), so a big disadvantage there. So I'm thinking maybe if I figure a way to cradle the weights off the ground somehow, to minimize all the bending over?

I think you said you train at home is that correct? If you have access to a squat rack just set the pins in the lowest position possible and deadlift from there, outside of the actual rack itself (if that makes any sense) i used to find it easier to start the first rep on the pins and then every other rep during that set i could pull from the floor.

Otherwise you could try rack deads or experiment with sumo style deads vs. conventional deads

[Times Roman]

I think you said you train at home is that correct? If you have access to a squat rack just set the pins in the lowest position possible and deadlift from there, outside of the actual rack itself (if that makes any sense) i used to find it easier to start the first rep on the pins and then every other rep during that set i could pull from the floor.

Otherwise you could try rack deads or experiment with sumo style deads vs. conventional deads

Ok... I'll check all that out in the next few days...
thx

[n00bs]

I'll probably take your advice. Low weights. Low reps to start. See how it feels. If i can handle, then move up to low weights and higher reps. I watching a deadlift video posted by another this morning, and the guy was admirably going 500lbs EASILY. But short guys with short little legs usually excel in this area. But I'm considerably taller with long legs (runners legs), so a big disadvantage there. So I'm thinking maybe if I figure a way to cradle the weights off the ground somehow, to minimize all the bending over?

Never do high rep dead lifts your asking for trouble...

I have heard of proper deadlifts fixing alot of "bad backs"

Stick to lower reps or incorporate udl's for higher reps

[Nooomoto]

In addition to going easy until you feel comfortable, you could try varying your stance. I prefer feet at less than shoulder width apart, pinkies on the rings. I tried sumo but didn't like it at all. Try out different things and see what works for you.

Also, maybe warm up with rack pulls as opposed to starting with the full range of motion deadlift.

[BigBuck6]

Thanks for the encouragement. My squats are 100% dialed in. but this damn deadlift thing. I'm seriously leaning towards doing it. Since my legs are a little longer, and I'd have to bend more than the average hombre, I'm probably going to put my weights on some kind of pedestal, raise it off the ground somehow, to reduce how much initial bending I'll be doing. Now that I'm at this stage, it usually takes a week for things to gel and get on it. So the high reps thing with light weight is out. Won't go over 10. Thansk all!

I am 6'5" bro I know all about being tall, unfortunately for me I am also a Mesomorph and have equal length on my legs and torso. It will be hard to bend just keep em strict.

[BigBuck6]

Can you explain how the accident happened?

I deadlifted today. When I first started I used to hop on the back extension machine after each set, and I was doing high rep sets.

I also do a really basic back stretch. There are a ton of them on youtube if you need some.

Finally I am a warm up sets addict.. My deadlift warmup today included 6 sets of warmup with only a few reps in each warmup set. I go up a little on each set and when im done I am ready to up the weight a little to my workout weight and start my real sets. I find its a huge help to me psychologically.. I feel it helps lessen my chances of getting injured considerably. This focuses my mind because I have a lot less "what if" going on in my head

This is back when I was lifting at The Ohio State University campus facility. I normally wouldn't go too heavy there and save it for the powerlifting gym I went to but I was showing off like a dumb@ss. I didn't use a belt and had 495 on the bar in a squat rack and was mid pull right in that tender zone when the guy in the squat rack next to me dropped his weight and hit mine from the side if you could imagine like a game of pool. My spotters couldn't do much as the weight flew sideways and twisted my back. I never saw a specialist about it just did some Physical Therapy work myself and its now almost 100%.

[BgMc31]

I have very long legs as well (36" inseam), if you feel the need to bend over then you are lacking hamstring flexibility. I suggest you work on some hamstring flexibility. Also weak or injury prone backs are sometimes the result of weak abdominals. I suggest incorporating more core strengthing exercises.

I'm a powerlifter/strongman, so I deadlift often.

[Regular guy]

Today I broke a barrier for myself with dead lift today. I really like deadlifting and find it a functional semi full body exercise. I think the before mentioned (even by you) strengthen the lower and full back is key along with technique.

Carry on, you will be pleased and feel on top of the world.

[n00bs]

I cant believe how many people on this board dont do a basi. Exercise and do t have a medical reason not too.. Confuses me

[Regular guy]

"basi"?

[MuscleScience]

I deadlift, one of the very best lifts for pure strenght and size gains. I occasionally have low back and mid back pain from it. If I start to get excessively sore I back down my training or will alternate squat and dead lift each week. If that doesn't do the trick or for whatever reason I start getting back pain I will visit my chiropractor. That generally gets me back to training pretty quickly. In extreme cases such as if I'm on the road a lot I will as a last resort take a muscle relaxer. These however will negatively effect ones workout.

[Times Roman]

[QUOTE=BgMc31;5257878]Also weak or injury prone backs are sometimes the result of weak abdominals. I suggest incorporating more core strengthing exercises.
QUOTE]

abs are dialed in. No six pack ('cept the one I drank last night!), but I crunch the fuk out of em with weighted cable crunchies 2x a week. About two years ago I purchased an "ab lounge" which is Ok if you are out of shape. Don't use it anymore, since reps would have to be so high it would make it pointless. Woman uses it now, otherwise I'd toss it.

Actually, the reason for my back pain is due to the "cork screw" curvature I have, and spurs on the spine causing arthritas. Discs are fine. So it is 100% a pain issue which I live with constantly. Thinking about having the spurs cleaned up and taken off here in a couple of months or so.

[Times Roman]

I cant believe how many people on this board dont do a basi. Exercise and do t have a medical reason not too.. Confuses me

actually, I do have a med reason. I even have one of those red thingies you hang from the rear view mirror and can park in the best / closest parking spots. I use it very seldom, but when I do, you will know I'm in a friggin lot of pain!

[mario_ps2]

I've been real reluctant to incorporate the deadlift into my program due to some arthritis in the lower back. But I feel the need to "getter done". Any of you deadlifters have lower back problems, and how do you compensate? Any advice?

Try doing reverse hyper extensions.. their excellent for rehabilitating your back from an injury.

[n00bs]

actually, I do have a med reason. I even have one of those red thingies you hang from the rear view mirror and can park in the best / closest parking spots. I use it very seldom, but when I do, you will know I'm in a friggin lot of pain!

No i wasnt tlaking about you...