Deadlift newb - backpain

jayacheess · 07-18-2008, 02:21 PM

I actually read a thread here earlier where someone new to deadlifts was having similar issues.

Anyway, I'm newish to strength training in general, and I'm just trying to find as many exercises I can with what I have available here at home (I will have access to a full gym in the fall where I can start squats, etc.).

So, I'm doing sets of bench presses, pull-ups and deadlifts for the time being (if anyone can suggest anything else I can do with just a bench/barbell and a pull-up bar, let me know.), and I'm having issues with back pain when doing deadlifts.

My form is good. I'm absolutely sure. I've had someone look at it. But I'm still getting back pain after a couple sets.

I guess my question is: is the back pain fine, and not a sign of something more problematic down the road if I continue, or can I just work through it and expect to be without pain after a few weeks of working on it?

Thanks!

enright3060 · 07-18-2008, 02:26 PM

Is the pain in your lower, mid or upper back? Is the pain sharp or dull?

Even if you think your form is good, I would suggest you post a video here to make sure. As you said, you are a noob. It could be a form issue or it could be that you have a really weak low back, which is getting taxed from doing something new.

B3rserk3R · 07-18-2008, 02:28 PM

Just out of curiosity, if you can DL why can't you power clean the weight up and squat it?

DevilEyes · 07-18-2008, 02:34 PM

I would ask the same questions as enright3060; where exactly are we talking about, what kind of pain, and is the pain muscular or possibly spinal in nature?

jayacheess · 07-18-2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enright3060

Is the pain in your lower, mid or upper back? Is the pain sharp or dull?

Even if you think your form is good, I would suggest you post a video here to make sure. As you said, you are a noob. It could be a form issue or it could be that you have a really weak low back, which is getting taxed from doing something new.

Lower back. Dull pain. I don't have any means to record a video at the moment. And yes, it's definitely something new.

Quote:

Just out of curiosity, if you can DL why can't you power clean the weight up and squat it?

I had an idea of what you meant, but I youtube'd it to make sure. I don't know if I even want to attempt that with the space I have to work with.

jayacheess · 07-18-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevilEyes

I would ask the same questions as enright3060; where exactly are we talking about, what kind of pain, and is the pain muscular or possibly spinal in nature?

Definitely muscular. Lower back muscles on either side of the spine, it feels like.Dull pain, as I said. Nothing that stops be from moving or doing any motion. But it's definitely pronounced, and I want to make sure before I continue.

Keiwil · 07-18-2008, 02:39 PM

Firstly if you have backpain, only you can decide if its a good idea to continue deadlifting the same way. There is a big difference in being a little sore or having backpain.

When i first started to deadlift i lifted light weights and not many repetitions.
I wanted to really take my time learning to deadlift. So thats my advice: deadlift but dont go all out, take your time.

Your idea of perfect form will change many times as you progress.

enright3060 · 07-18-2008, 02:41 PM

To the TS, I would encourage you to provide us with a video of your form. I would try to borrow someone's camera.

Also - how often are you DLing? What is your rep scheme?

Edit: You need to learn to activate your glutes when deadlifting. I think you should take a look for Eric Cressey's Mastering the Deadlift (I, II and III) and Deadlift Diagnosis on T-nation.

Here is one of the articles - TESTOSTERONE NATION

jayacheess · 07-18-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enright3060

To the TS, I would encourage you to provide us with a video of your form. I would try to borrow someone's camera.

Also - how often are you DLing? What is your rep scheme?

I'll see what I can do about a camera. I'm just doing basic 5x5, Mon/Wed/Fri.

enright3060 · 07-18-2008, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayacheess

I'll see what I can do about a camera. I'm just doing basic 5x5, Mon/Wed/Fri.

I edited my post above with some reading suggestions.

If you are DLing 3x a week, I see why your back is so wrecked. Most noobs can squat 3x a week, but very few people can pull more than once a week.