Deadlifting and a Deteriorating Disc

[btpolak]

I have a question for you gents and perhaps someone knows where I'm coming from. Due to my previous career (decade of oilfield work) I recently found out that I had a deteriorating disc in my lower back this last year. I kept hurting my back in the same place, at least once a year, so I went to a specialist and he was able to pin point the issue. Long story short, it's nothing serious that would need surgery, was a part of getting older and the work I did, but when aggravated, I could have pain severe enough that I could not stand up nor walk for a day or two. Because of this issue, I had given up squatting and deadlifting. I loved deadlifting and decided to try it out the other night and aggravated it with only 225lbs. Needless to say I'm disappointed and was wondering if there is a way to still do this movement with this type of injury? I used to round back the movement, but I kept my legs close, non supinated grip about shoulder width apart and focused on using my legs to lift the weight from the ground and use my lats and upper body to complete the movement once off the ground as my legs were straightening out. I believe during my second set I may have screwed up and pulled with my back too much at the bottom of the lift which caused the agitation. Should I give up on the exercise entirely or work on form with lower weight until I can ease back up in weight? I used to be able to do much more than what I was using, so it's kind of a buzz kill for this to happen. Any thoughts?

[600@50]

You should be able to DL and squat but you MUST start light and slowly work up the poundage. If 225 hurt do 135. If that hurts go lighter. Go slow and use the best form you can. At some point we all will have to accept that we can't do what we used to do when we were younger whether due to age or injury. But by strengthening the area you will get stronger and help to prevent further injuries. I can't DL or squat like I did when I was younger so I have focused more on the BP. I still DL and squat but when the back isn't cooperating I'll do leg presses and machine back work. Just pay attention to what movements aggravate the area and avoid them or at least use light weights. In time your back will be stronger and you'll have learned how to avoid further injury. Don't be afraid to try different movements or variations of a lift.

[Buster Brown]

I agree with what 600 is saying. There are many ways to work around certain lifts that are effective and it's important to not get caught up in the poundages but be happy you can train. Look into cambered bar squats which is pretty much a DL that your not pulling from the ground or try Hatfield squats which are a pretty safe an effective exercise to going up to 120% of your max straight bar traditional squat. If the gym your training at doesn't have this equipment available then try to seek one that does. Good luck and take care

[jstone]

I have degenerative disc disease. Mine got so bad I couldn't lift at all. It took an anterior lumbar fusion to fix it. Im back to doing deadlifts and squats. I have not gone over 115 pounds for either movement, and probably wont for at least another 6 months. I stop if I feel my form, or concentration isnt there. Trust me you dont want to push it to the point you need surgery. There are also some outpatient surgeries that can fix your problem with less than a month of down time. Its usually more like a couple weeks. You may want to look into it.

[btpolak]

Thank you for the feedback. You gentleman helped confirm what I already believed and despite what happened last week Wednesday, I recovered by Monday and finished up back day with deadlifts again this past Wednesday. I took it slow and repped it out 10 to 12 for a few sets at 135 and focused on just performing the movement and building upon my form and mind to muscle connection.

[CaptainGoose]

Also consider looking into booking an appointment with an osteopath. I went to see one at the recommendation of my olympic lifting coach and my DL and SQ went up significantly with zero pain. Any injuries his athletes had he would send them to her.