My back is officially fvcked

**< <Samson> >** · 03-20-2016, 08:58 PM

So, I skipped leg day for the last 3 months or so. Yeah, I know - but, I had my reason. The lowest center part of my back has been giving me serious issues.

Yesterday I did a mild full leg routine finally. Mild - meaning, no squats & just deep leg presses on a machine.

Today I can't walk - the lowest part of my back, right in the center maybe 5-6" above the ass crack feels like I got stabbed with a blunt object.

From what I can tell, it's a inflamed disk(what I think)

So, no for the real question - what do I do to train legs? Stopping just can't be a good idea long term. Do I just stop back loading excersises - squats, deadlifts & all leg presses?

My legs are naturally big & I walk a ton. But, stopping heavy lifting with legs just sounds all bad.

About 3 years ago I was doing squats with over 400 Lbs. Last time I tried to do squats about 4 months ago I felt something like a pop in the lowest part of my back and almost lost the 225 pounds I was trying to lift. But, this was after the initial pain I got in the center of my back while working over 2 years ago < after that, my Lowe back had just given me random pain.

That is all - since I can't really move today, I have time to type

**Mp859** · 03-20-2016, 09:13 PM

Leg press is the hardest leg workout on your back IMO. It compresses you into a fixed object. I would stick to light weight squats and try to strengthen your lower back. Extensions and leg curls. I would stay away from deads also for a while at least.

**kelkel** · 03-20-2016, 09:15 PM

Consider a good chiropractor as they can do wonders for you.
Deep leg presses can be bad for the lower back as when you bring the legs down to your chest the more your lower back curves, thus opening up the chance for injuries. I would think you'd be ok on presses if you cut the depth down and kept your low back on the pad. Keep that pressure off of it.

Seriously, see a chiropractor so you can eliminate guessing in case there's a more serious issue.

**< <Samson> >** · 03-20-2016, 09:44 PM

Interesting to hear that about leg presses - makes sense for sure, and I come down as low as possible. But, the back curving sure does make sense.

I'll see how it goes - the chiropractor sure seems like a transmission mechanic. Just give em $, and they'll give you something. Lol

**Proximal** · 03-20-2016, 09:52 PM

From what I read it's a 3 month old issue, am I right? If the pain has stayed centralized in the spine, that's great news, the opposite being, radiating pain into the gluteal region and leg, not so good.

Have to disagree with Kel (sorry, no offense intended) get an MRI for a more definitive diagnosis.

I'm assuming you all saw the Ronnie Coleman thread, not pretty.

Bottom line - it ain't fvcked till it's fvcked, it ain't fvcked yet, so get it properly diagnosed.

**< <Samson> >** · 03-20-2016, 10:16 PM

It is all in the central back(spine region). It started a few years back & from that point it just been on & off. 3 months back is when I stopped doing leg dedicated excersises & been pain free.

An MRI would def be a good idea. But, being private pay sure makes it sounds quite painful itself.

**jstone** · 03-21-2016, 01:40 AM

Originally Posted by < <Samson> >

It is all in the central back(spine region). It started a few years back & from that point it just been on & off. 3 months back is when I stopped doing leg dedicated excersises & been pain free.

An MRI would def be a good idea. But, being private pay sure makes it sounds quite painful itself.

I have a bad back, same area. My problem was the disc between the l4-l5 vertebrae. The fact that the pain is centralized, means if you have a bulging disc its not impinging a nerve.

Your right about the private pay being scary. The only way to get a good diagnosis without costing a few grand would be in the ER. You can wait until the pain comes back, and go to the ER. They will then probably start with an x-ray, if it shows nothing push them do an mri.

You dont want to work around the problem, if its serious it will only get worse. Strengthen your core as much as possible, it really helps a lot.

**Mr.BB** · 03-21-2016, 02:23 AM

Dont understand why dont you have insurance

Like proximal said, if the pain is not in your legs its a good sign.

MRI would give you a definite diagnosis which even a chiropractor would like to have.

**kelkel** · 03-21-2016, 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by Proximal

Have to disagree with Kel (sorry, no offense intended) get an MRI for a more definitive diagnosis.

I don't consider that disagreeing at all! A good chiro would always take that step if deemed necessary. And it very well may be.

**kelkel** · 03-21-2016, 06:57 AM

Originally Posted by jstone

Strengthen your core as much as possible, it really helps a lot.

As well as keep your hamstrings stretched. Weak abs and tight ham's cause an imbalance in the low back throwing your fulcrum out of balance. I have the tendency to let my ham's get overly tight and it results in a nasty back pain. Yet I still have not learned to be diligent to stretching....

**lovbyts** · 03-21-2016, 07:05 AM

I agree with KelKel 100% and this is coming from someone who has had 2 back surgeries. Chiro has help keep me from re injuring myself since.

Why had no one said anything about ICE!!! If you are not start the ice NOW and do it religiously. I can not stress this enough. Again from far to much experience. Ice it 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Repeat 3x in a row and at least 3x a day. No excuses. Ice it while you are driving, sitting at work in a chair if you do or even at night sleeping. Its a life saver.

BG · 03-21-2016, 10:39 AM

Light deads, anti-inflammatories and lots of stretching. Your back is much more stronger then your ass and legs. It pulls on the bottom of your spine causing pressure on disks.

**< <Samson> >** · 03-21-2016, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by BG

Light deads

No shit?

Good to know

And all of this started is when I got big. In all reality, most bigger guys have back issues.

Still went to the gym today - walking around like Lurch - and again, now to think about it - that's how most bigger guys walk.

Oh well - good to know exactly where it's coming from finally

Damn near frightened to do squats with any weight now.

**Megalodon6** · 03-22-2016, 07:47 PM

Any progress?

**< <Samson> >** · 03-22-2016, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by Megalodon6

Any progress?

Been doing tons of stretches & it's better for sure

But, if I move in certain directions - I swear it feels like I'm going to buckle at the knees.

But, yesterday am was the worst. I was shaving & moved wrong or some shit. Almost straight fell, wife seen it. I guess it didn't look so well :/

**Megalodon6** · 03-22-2016, 08:33 PM

Dang it bud! Get to a doc asap and get some x-rays

**< <Samson> >** · 03-22-2016, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by Megalodon6

Dang it bud! Get to a doc asap and get some x-rays

You think?!

Only reason I ask is because I am private pay. I'll pay, if it is necessary.

I had this before, about 2-3x where it was just as bad within the last 3 years.

And if I do go - what is within the back that is possibly treatable? I have been reading lots of info on this & the answer that I am getting is back pains in many cases are not repairable.

**Megalodon6** · 03-22-2016, 08:56 PM

I mean if it was me that's what I would your back is nothing to play with. Sucks you have to private pay. My dad has back issues he's had three surgeries the docs say he'll have issues with it for the rest of his life.. Really hope you get it figured out bro

**lovbyts** · 03-23-2016, 02:12 AM

And again, are you icing it???

**NACH3** · 03-23-2016, 05:24 AM

Originally Posted by < <Samson> >

You think?!

Only reason I ask is because I am private pay. I'll pay, if it is necessary.

I had this before, about 2-3x where it was just as bad within the last 3 years.

And if I do go - what is within the back that is possibly treatable? I have been reading lots of info on this & the answer that I am getting is back pains in many cases are not repairable.

^^ this - they can't even diagnose anything(real fvked up) in the back unless they open you up then it's a fvkin catastrophe and they start cutting and u-bolting etc until your back is sh!t anyway!...

You've got the right idea Samson... Unfortunately my father has had 6 back surgeries, 2 neck and can barely walk anymore!! PT all the way - or build it so thick at the bottom that it's got no choice but to be supported(I know Marcus did this if you want any ideas

**TheTaxMan** · 03-23-2016, 05:33 AM

I know your hardcore samson, but id drop the leg workouts until your back is sorted.

Let that back heal, you dont want to struggle to walk later in life and/or be in a wheelchair just for the sake of keeping your legs huge.

I had lower back pain for 6 months after i did 2 days of hard work in the garden and lifting heavy pavement stones, it took 6 months to heal itself

Back pain/injuries can take a while to heal, putting more strain on it will just delay it.

Hows your walking posture? I found my posture was poor and once i fixed my posture it healed quicker

Just some stuff for you to consider buddy
Wish you a speedy recovery

**< <Samson> >** · 03-23-2016, 12:01 PM

This is what I'm getting from this:

The pain in my back is from a compressed or a ruptured disk that is pushing on a nerve

Don't put any additional weight(well, very light weight) that puts direct pressure on my back

Strengthen the core as much as possible. Meaning flabs & obliques.

Still do legs - but, with damn near only body weight

As far as ice - no, I do heat instead. It works wonders, but it's very temporary.

Fvck hardcore if you can't stand up straight

**Megalodon6** · 03-23-2016, 12:32 PM

Take it easy bro. Wishing you a speedy recovery

**Mr.BB** · 03-23-2016, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by < <Samson> >

This is what I'm getting from this:

The pain in my back is from a compressed or a ruptured disk that is pushing on a nerve

Don't put any additional weight(well, very light weight) that puts direct pressure on my back

Strengthen the core as much as possible. Meaning flabs & obliques.

Still do legs - but, with damn near only body weight

As far as ice - no, I do heat instead. It works wonders, but it's very temporary.

Fvck hardcore if you can't stand up straight

Have anyone told you are stuborn??

Hernited disks main symptom is loss of strength and pain in leg, not on the back itself.

You can have something easy to fix or at least not as serious, as serious stuff is when nerves are involved.

Still you need a proper diagnostic...

**Proximal** · 03-23-2016, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by < <Samson> >

Last time I tried to do squats about 4 months ago I felt something like a pop in the lowest part of my back and almost lost the 225 pounds I was trying to lift. But, this was after the initial pain I got in the center of my back while working over 2 years ago < after that, my Lowe back had just given me random pain.

Hey Samson, you've gotten a lot of great advice above, but I just wanted to chirp in again.

It was the last part of your original post that suggested to me that this is not a new problem, which means maybe, just maybe you want to explore the cause a little more in addition to some of the really great treatment options you have above.

Just looking at your physique, you train very seriously and I'm assuming you'll want to continue that till you're old and grey - so just do the due diligence now to allow you that opportunity.

**GirlyGymRat** · 03-23-2016, 07:09 PM

Sorry to hear of these issues. Be safe!

**Bio-Active** · 03-23-2016, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by < <Samson> >

This is what I'm getting from this: The pain in my back is from a compressed or a ruptured disk that is pushing on a nerve Don't put any additional weight(well, very light weight) that puts direct pressure on my back Strengthen the core as much as possible. Meaning flabs & obliques. Still do legs - but, with damn near only body weight As far as ice - no, I do heat instead. It works wonders, but it's very temporary. Fvck hardcore if you can't stand up straight

my back is trashed l5 s1 is gone and I still bodybuild. I feel better now then I have in years. I wouldn't get images done of your back because it will just mess with your head. There are plenty of lift that you can do without compressing your spine. Once it heals which It should if you let it you will be surprised what you will be able to do again

**MuscleScience** · 03-23-2016, 11:48 PM

I'm a chiro, I see this in my office a lot. But I am also in the bodybuilding scene so I get all the crazy cases.

Here is my take.

Stretching won't help, exercises won't help, NSAIDs won't help, why? Because you are already doing that. You are beyond that point now.

9-10 of these cases I can get really good results with. Sometimes I can even get someone back to better than pre-injury status. The thing to remember, most Back injures are typically not acute in nature. Meaning they have been coming for awhile. It's like a broken record on what someone reports to me each time they come in with a similar injury. I don't mean that in a negative manner other than to point out that there has been a ticking time bomb waiting to happen. And the straw that broke the camels back finally happened.

I didn't read all the responses but my recommendation if you were in my office would be to:

Proper orthopedics, neurological and general physical to asses your overall health.

X-rays, to rule out pathology( pars defect, compression fracture, spondylitis, spondylolistesis, fracture, METS (cancer) Scoliosis, infection, previous injury, past surgeries( you would be surprised what people forget to tell me)

Symptoms, positive orthopedics, neurological changes such as bowel/bladder changes, sensory (vibration, pressure, pain hot/cold) motor changes (muscle weakness, hyper or hypo reflexes) and lack of improvement would justify MRI if needed.

Typically for $200 dollars or less I can tell you what's wrong, what I need to do, how long it will take and how much it will cost overall. Typical out of pocket expenses to the ER for low back pain is about $2500, and you won't get all of the above.

Yes, it will cost you money, yes it will take time, yes I will ask you to modify your workouts some. If I need to refer for a neurological consultation for possible surgery I will. I personally know the best surgeons (but those are often extreme cases)

Hit me up OP with questions, be happy to help. PS sorry about grammar and spelling, typing on my iPhone.

**tbody66** · 03-24-2016, 10:39 AM

I'm a big fan of regular Chiropractic care, massages etc... so many traumatic events over the course of our lives make it difficult to overcome completely, especially if they go un-checked or corrected for very long periods of time. The tree growing crooked.

**MuscleScience** · 03-24-2016, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by tbody66

I'm a big fan of regular Chiropractic care, massages etc... so many traumatic events over the course of our lives make it difficult to overcome completely, especially if they go un-checked or corrected for very long periods of time. The tree growing crooked.

It saved me from a back surgery basically, I thought it was so cool that I switch doctorate programs and went to chiro school. It's hard to get it across to people health isn't just a pill, fad diet, exercise program or book. It's one big overall plan to health that includes a lot of healthy habits.

**MSphysique** · 03-30-2016, 08:54 AM

Hey man, I have a similar problem. I damaged my lower back squatting, haven't been able to sweat in around 3 months.

Sticking to leg press for now, hoping this mother f**ker heals soon!

**CharlesThe4th** · 03-30-2016, 09:44 AM

I've had back issues starting around 11 years old when I started power lifting. It's been a constant struggle my whole life. I've done everything under the sun to try to heal it. Some days I'm good some days I can barely sit down. Pain pills don't do anything but temporarily dull the pain. I've had great success with prednisone which relieved my inflammation. Leg presses were the worst for me. I had luck with squatting with very low weight but high volume wearing a belt. Best thing you can do is baby your back until your comfortable again. You keep lifting legs with a bad back and it's going to keep getting worse. Best of luck, it's a rough ride.

**bass** · 03-30-2016, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by < <Samson> >

So, I skipped leg day for the last 3 months or so. Yeah, I know - but, I had my reason. The lowest center part of my back has been giving me serious issues.

Yesterday I did a mild full leg routine finally. Mild - meaning, no squats & just deep leg presses on a machine.

Today I can't walk - the lowest part of my back, right in the center maybe 5-6" above the ass crack feels like I got stabbed with a blunt object.

From what I can tell, it's a inflamed disk(what I think)

So, no for the real question - what do I do to train legs? Stopping just can't be a good idea long term. Do I just stop back loading excersises - squats, deadlifts & all leg presses?

My legs are naturally big & I walk a ton. But, stopping heavy lifting with legs just sounds all bad.

About 3 years ago I was doing squats with over 400 Lbs. Last time I tried to do squats about 4 months ago I felt something like a pop in the lowest part of my back and almost lost the 225 pounds I was trying to lift. But, this was after the initial pain I got in the center of my back while working over 2 years ago < after that, my Lowe back had just given me random pain.

That is all - since I can't really move today, I have time to type

that sucks Samson, sorry to hear it. have you considered Hip Belt Squat? you can still do squats and will take the load off of your back.

forward to 8:12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW-sXIzHtCg

**flip888** · 04-15-2016, 12:34 AM

A lot of good info here. I dealt with minor back pain a couple years ago but I healed up after going to physical therapy for a few months. I had a bulged disc. Now my back is stronger than ever because I know now that it was my weak point and I started being proactive about it. It is still a weak point and I have to be careful but I don't have much or any pain regularly. I don't have any advice but I felt like I should reply since I read all of this. All I can say is good luck and I hope you have a speedy recovery