F****d up my back deadlifting

MetroStyles · Apr 7, 2009

Yallz,

Deadlifted yesterday morning. Form was good. Everything felt okay during the workout and afterwards. Later at night when soreness predictably hit me, I had a strange pain in my mid-upper back to the left side. I assume most deadlifting injuries are a cause of bending the lower back on the way up instead of keeping it stiff. But I had good form and my lower back is fine. Also, this didn't hit until later. When I make any kind of movement forward with my left arm it hurts - kind of like a mix between muscle and joint pain. Never had this before and I've deadlifted for three years.

Should I wait three or four days for it to go away? Or should I see a chiropractor or something? Who else should I go to for back issues? Thanks.

Illuminate07 · Apr 7, 2009

I'd take some pain relievers and stretch it out for a couple days, if it lasts any longer than that, see a doctor

Pain in that area is usually because you didn't really warm up properly. They usually stablize the weight when you go up on a deadlift.

rnoldh · Apr 7, 2009

Doctor immediately and an MD, no Chiropractor IMO.

And good luck. Back pain is no fun. I've had it.

And remember to lay off for a while. I was a runner for many years. I always had foot problems and tried things like surgeries and orthotics to help my hurting feet.

Than I gave up running. I haven't had a problem since.

Jthaeler · Apr 7, 2009

Unless you are on steroids and trying to be a power lifter I could never see the rationale for trying to max out. This is one of those instances where even a slight curve to the back can cause serious muscle pain and possibly injury. My best guess would be to just stretch and use heat for a while. If it doesn't go away in a few weeks get a MRI. Doctor will just tell you to stop lifting such heavy weight.

Ludeykrus · Apr 7, 2009

Agree on give it a week with rest, stretching, and pain relievers.

MetroStyles · Apr 7, 2009

Thanks a lot guys. I appreciate it as this is my first ever lifting "injury" so I don't really know what to do.

Is it alright to work out non-back muscles in the meantime? What about cardio - I heard light cardio can assist in recovery.

bawlin · Apr 7, 2009

Originally Posted by MetroStyles

Form was good.

No it wasn't. The deadlift is a leg exercise. If you tweaked your back, you're obviously trying to pull too much weight and compensated for it by rounding your back. Stop trying to be a hero, drop the weight, and work on your form. Also, try using a sumo stance to ensure that you're using your legs and not your back.

MetroStyles · Apr 7, 2009

Originally Posted by bawlin

No it wasn't. The deadlift is a leg exercise. If you tweaked your back, you're obviously trying to pull too much weight and compensated for it by rounding your back. Stop trying to be a hero, drop the weight, and work on your form. Also, try using a sumo stance to ensure that you're using your legs and not your back.

Dude, the deadlift uses the entire posterior chain. Although the legs might be the primary drivers, it doesn't mean that your other muscles are not under heavy strain. The back is placed under a lot of stress during the entire exercise, even if you are doing it right. If you keep it tight and straight, it should not get injured. Clearly something went wrong when I was doing it, but your assertion that your back should not be used at all during a deadlift is laughable.

bawlin · Apr 7, 2009

Who said anything about your back not being used at all? If you're doing the lift correctly, you wouldn't have pain in your lower back. If you round your back during the lift, you will. Simple as that. When I say "use your legs and not your back", I mean stop lifting like this:

MetroStyles · Apr 7, 2009

Originally Posted by bawlin

Who said anything about your back not being used at all? If you're doing the lift correctly, you wouldn't have pain in your lower back. If you round your back during the lift, you will. Simple as that. When I say "use your legs and not your back", I mean stop lifting like this:

I don't have pain in my lower back. Please re-read my original post. I also know that you enjoy ****-talking me on the forums, so I won't hope for anything but a contentious and partial response from you.

Obviously lifting with your lower back by not keeping it straight and using the abdominals for support is asking for trouble. My guess is that I placed too much strain on my back in keeping it straight on the way up.

bawlin · Apr 7, 2009

Now I've heard it all... you strained your back because your form was too good?

LOL

How much weight were you trying to pull?

RedLantern · Apr 7, 2009

I'd give it some rest (if it hurts dont do it), ibuprofen, ice, etc. if it doesnt go away in a few days see a doctor.

Bawlin's strawmaning aside, I think you've done pretty well if you've deadlifted for three years and havent experienced some kind of muscle strain.

MetroStyles · Apr 7, 2009

Thanks Red. I'm wondering - should I do ice or heat? There seem to be mixed opinions being posted.

why · Apr 7, 2009

Bawlin, you're an idiot. Please shut up. Injuries occur.

RedLantern · Apr 7, 2009

Originally Posted by MetroStyles

Thanks Red. I'm wondering - should I do ice or heat? There seem to be mixed opinions being posted.

Ice should help with any inflammation, but most of my experience has been with injuries involving tendons/ligaments so I'm not positive that would be applicable here.

F****d up my back deadlifting

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