Low back pain after Press/PP/PJ

[justinmoulden]

Coach,

First the stats:
28 YOM, 165lbs, 5'9"
Press:170
Bench:245
Squat:335
Deadlift:355


When performing heavy or high-rep pressing, push pressing, or push jerking, I usually get pain in my lower back just to the right of the base of my spine. This pain usually subsides into a feeling of compression while I'm under the bar but when I rack it, as I pull away from the bar, it's fairly sharp pain that quickly fades to more of a tight "I may have tweaked something" feeling. If I rotate my hips forward while I press, the issue goes away but I feel wicked unstable and my form goes to shit.

I reread through the press chapter of SS and didn't get a good idea about proper lordotic position (maybe I should re-reread it.) Does this sound like a problem with excessive lordosis? Or is this type of pain usually an indication of a spinal misalignment in need of chiro attention?

Incidentally, the muscles in this spot are first ones to fatigue when doing high-rep deadlifts. Not sure if that's at all related.

Is it time to break out the video camera and see if I'm sticking my ass out too much?

[Mark Rippetoe]

I think you may have a facet joint problem that is irritated by a less-than-tight trunk during the press. the lordotic position during any barbell exercise is normal anatomical position, which is a normally extended lordotic and kyphotic curve. This is maintained by tight trunk muscles and a big breath. If you are relaxing into an exaggerated lordotic curve (overextension), this would cause your symptoms. The pain during the deadlift indicates that the condition is present during other training as well, which is what you'd expect if you've tweaked something during pressing. Check your breathing and your ab-squeeze during the press. Some decompression -- like hanging in the rack between sets -- will help it, but the real fix is good form.

[justinmoulden]

Thanks, Rip

I'll address my form with a change in positioning and lighter weight next pressing day.

I read up on facet joint pain, and your diagnosis makes a whole lot of sense. In your experience, do facet joint issues (in the context of weight training) with a slow onset tend to be related to damage the cartilage in the facet joint? Sorry for asking orthopedist questions, I hate asking doctors these questions, because I tend to get the typical bullshit answers.

You reccomend here (http://strengthmill.net/forum/showthread.php?t=601&highlight=glucosamine) Glucosamine and Chondroiten for joint health issues. I may throw some of that down with my multivitamin and fish oil for a while, see if that helps.

Anyhow, thanks again. I'll report back, cause I know this one will keep you up at night.

[Mark Rippetoe]

I'll let Travis address this, if has time.