5 Step Deadlift and inability to reach bar with straight legs

[rokpo]

I'm having issues with my deadlift, often get a tight/numb lower back after. I try really hard to set my back correctly, and it still keeps happening. I went back and reviewed the 5 step setup, and the one thing I don't do is reach the bar with straight legs. I can't physically do it. My workaround, I reach down as far as I can with straight legs, and then I bring the shins forward to reach the bar. Is this workaround likely leading to a messed up starting position? If so, is there a setup modification I can do to get in the right position?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Video?

[rokpo]

Video?

YouTube

Recorded this today. Sorry, the angle isn't the best.

[Mark Rippetoe]

You're right about the angle. I think there may be a language problem here. Your setup is fine, knees don't have to be in perfect extension. So perhaps you don't mean "tight and numb."

[rokpo]

You're right about the angle. I think there may be a language problem here. Your setup is fine, knees don't have to be in perfect extension. So perhaps you don't mean "tight and numb."

Good to know about the setup, thanks. I guess tightness isn't a good descriptor. Mild numbness is probably the best way I can describe it. Like I'm feeling the initial effects of a novocaine shot in the lower back. Even happens after light warmup sets sometimes.

If you don't mind, and it helps, here's an older video I shot from a back angle: YouTube (I tried to shoot a better video today.)

[Mark Rippetoe]

Now that we can see, this is terrible form. Is the numbness on the skin?

[rokpo]

Now that we can see, this is terrible form. Is the numbness on the skin?

Is there not enough lower back extension? I realize the eccentric gets ugly on that set, I don't typically fall forward so much.