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Thread: Chronic Low Back Pain Ruining My Progress

  1. #1
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    Aug 2023
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    Default Chronic Low Back Pain Ruining My Progress

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    Hey everyone, I am an intermediate lifter who is suffering from low back pain ever since a deadlift fail in late March. I was sore, running low on sleep, then messed up my back on a pull. I know, stupid mistake. I had to take a 2 month hiatus due to life and school getting in the way but I have gotten back to training since early July. I deloaded my lifts and early on replaced my primary pull for a rack pull/SSB squat and am back to low bar squatting and deadlifting from the floor. My sciatica in the right leg has completely disappeared, which has encouraged me, but my low back pain is bothersome enough for me to not get far up on my conventional deadlifts again. I recently hopped on the Cowboy Method, a volume program that prioritizes squatting. I'm hoping that getting even stronger than my pre-injury self will reduce pain, but it's now starting to get in my head. The fear, the uncertainty of how my pain will progress is starting to become a limiting factor in how I walk into the gym these days. I've already submitted form checks of my lifts to an SS coach, so I'm confident that is not the primary issue. Any advice from the veterans out here would be greatly appreciated!

  2. #2
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    What was the diagnosis for your back? What is injured?

  3. #3
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    Hey Rip, throughout this whole process I've been to 2 different chiros/pt's and a doctor. Via x-ray, one chiro told me I had early signs of spinal degeneration. However, I always assumed my low back pain was stemming from a disc issue. The sciatica, stiffness and pain when sitting (alleviated by moving), made me assume I had a possible herniation in the low back. I wanted to get an MRI but did research on how even these days, they're not a great indicator for pain, as most MRI's have some sort of pathology, even in asymptomatic individuals. Should I still push to get one regardless? I've tried so many conservative methods such as lacrosse ball rolling, contrast therapy, mobility work in hips, swimming, and nothing is truly solving this issue.

  4. #4
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    I agree that an MRI is seldom dignostic for back pain, and I didn't ask for an MRI. But none of these expensive geniuses ventured a guess at a diagnosis? What is wrong with your back?

  5. #5
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    The PT's were the ones who told me that I shouldn't even push for an MRI, as they mentioned the statistic of how common it is to find a variety of pathologies in asymptomatic people. One PT theorized maybe something is wrong with my pelvis (I have tight hips), but that I was strong and didn't show signs of imbalances. The other PT mentioned how I had core instability, hip tightness (the typical PT claims). Both chiros tried to scam me by saying I am critically 'beat up' and in need of over 36 "adjustments." They were also dismissive of the idea of it being a disc issue. I'm starting to believe that each of these individuals saw me as a desperate young man who was willing to fork over hundreds of dollars in order for care. I honestly think at this point I need more exposure to deadlifts, as that is the lift that scares me. I've had better experiences with squats, hence why I'm able to push more with it right now with better confidence. What are your thoughts Rip?

  6. #6
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    What does this program consist of?

    Also, and this drives me bonkers, who was the coach who assessed your form and how was it done?

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jeffrey Gomez View Post
    The PT's were the ones who told me that I shouldn't even push for an MRI, as they mentioned the statistic of how common it is to find a variety of pathologies in asymptomatic people. One PT theorized maybe something is wrong with my pelvis (I have tight hips), but that I was strong and didn't show signs of imbalances. The other PT mentioned how I had core instability, hip tightness (the typical PT claims). Both chiros tried to scam me by saying I am critically 'beat up' and in need of over 36 "adjustments." They were also dismissive of the idea of it being a disc issue. I'm starting to believe that each of these individuals saw me as a desperate young man who was willing to fork over hundreds of dollars in order for care. I honestly think at this point I need more exposure to deadlifts, as that is the lift that scares me. I've had better experiences with squats, hence why I'm able to push more with it right now with better confidence. What are your thoughts Rip?
    I think you need to deadlift. Start with a weight that doesn't hurt, and go up from there.

  8. #8
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    The program is the Cowboy Method, Chad Wesley Smith's own iteration of the Texas method. The program can be done with any compound (SBD) but is IMO, the most optimal for squats. I back squat 2x a week and front squat 1x a week in the as a form of active recovery. Since the volume is high however, I go at my own pace and accomplish the days in terms of how I physically feel (I started the program last week). My form has been checked by coaches during a training camp seminar in person and I submitted videos to Paul Horn, an SSC who does form checks online. I've been incrementally adding weight to deadlifts each session (about 10-15 pounds) and am slowly increasing my tolerance. The thing is, my pain outside the gym has stagnated, but my tolerance for heavier loads is increasing as I go. I'm just trying my best to stay active and focus on weakpoints and movements that'll aid in the long run. Goal is to keep getting stronger as safe as possible.

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  10. #10
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    starting strength coach development program
    Quote Originally Posted by Mark Rippetoe View Post
    I think you need to deadlift. Start with a weight that doesn't hurt, and go up from there.
    So conclusively, keep training and going up while trying my best to mitigate an exacerbation of symptoms?

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