Cervical Spinal Cord Compression

[Matt275]

47 yo, 6’, 205 lbs. current maxes:
SQ 415x1, BP 185x1, DL 335x1, PR 135x1

I had ADCF last Dec. at C6/7 and C7/T1. Severe atrophy in left triceps, pectoral and lat. That’s the reason for the weak bench, press and deadlift (lat atrophy makes it difficult to keep left side of the bar over the mid foot). Just found out I have another “significant herniation at C4/C5 which is also compressing the spinal cord. Due to this I am reluctant to load the cervical spine.

My idea is to belt squat, run an LP on the movement and bench in the rack with the bench set up so my head is off the bench to prevent accidental bracing with the head. I thought maybe front squats and adding hamstring work but figure the belt squats more closely mimic the hole position of the LBBS.

Post last surgery I was under the bar 3 weeks post op starting with the bar and adding 10 lbs a workout. I plan on the same recovery this time around.

Any thoughts on switching to belt squats and/or recovery plan after upcoming surgery?

[Mark Rippetoe]

The bar does not load the cervical spine in the low-bar squat. It sits at about T3. Keep your chin down.

[Matt275]

Copy that, I’ll continue to use the low bar squat. I want to carry as much strength into the surgery as possible. I appreciate the reply.

[Will Morris]

47 yo, 6’, 205 lbs. current maxes:
SQ 415x1, BP 185x1, DL 335x1, PR 135x1

I had ADCF last Dec. at C6/7 and C7/T1. Severe atrophy in left triceps, pectoral and lat. That’s the reason for the weak bench, press and deadlift (lat atrophy makes it difficult to keep left side of the bar over the mid foot). Just found out I have another “significant herniation at C4/C5 which is also compressing the spinal cord. Due to this I am reluctant to load the cervical spine.

My idea is to belt squat, run an LP on the movement and bench in the rack with the bench set up so my head is off the bench to prevent accidental bracing with the head. I thought maybe front squats and adding hamstring work but figure the belt squats more closely mimic the hole position of the LBBS.

Post last surgery I was under the bar 3 weeks post op starting with the bar and adding 10 lbs a workout. I plan on the same recovery this time around.

Any thoughts on switching to belt squats and/or recovery plan after upcoming surgery?

If I remember correctly, Ray Gillenwater had a podcast dedicated specifically to training and rehab after an ACDF.

[Matt275]

If I remember correctly, Ray Gillenwater had a podcast dedicated specifically to training and rehab after an ACDF.

I actually watched the one you were on. My surgeon was all for me lifting albeit “light weights”. I ran the LP starting with just the bar to see what my neck could handle. Lifting didn’t cause the new herniation, BJJ did.

[Mark Rippetoe]

BJJ appears to be the New CrossFit.

[Johnsonville]

BJJ appears to be the New CrossFit.

Are there any ways to protect the neck from these injuries on top of gaining weight and increasing the main lifts? I might mistakingly remember you writing a very long time ago about specific neck training for these types of sports. Is that a view you still carry? I debate whether grappling is still worth it for what it’s doing to my body, but I need something to compete in and it’s just a hell of a lot of fun.

[Mark Rippetoe]

How old are you, Johnsonville?

[Johnsonville]

How old are you, Johnsonville?

32

[Mark Rippetoe]

I guess you just have to decide if BJJ is enough fun to deal with the injuries. It is "fighting," after all.