Back injury and deadlift form

[mps]

Hi Mark,

Over the past 4 years, I've had trouble with my low back. Theres but a number of times where ive felt it give, or a pop, on both warm ups and work sets. Sometimes im fine a week later, twice ive had to rehab it for months before I could lift heavy again. I'm scheduled to have an MRI, and have started to rehab, but was hoping you could take a look at my form:

Here's the last set I did at 237kg: 237 kg x 5 DL - YouTube

A few workouts later I'd hurt it warming up with 140kg.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Have you read the book? It teaches you about these things. Your hips are too low/knees too far forward.

[mps]

I have long legs and tight hamstrings, so it's hard for me to reach for the bar without my knees forward, and I imagine would be even harder if my hips were higher.

I've been working on my hamstrings, so I hope to adjust the lift according to your advice.

I have read the book, but I admit I haven't looked at it in awhile.

[Austin Baraki]

I have long legs and tight hamstrings, so it's hard for me to reach for the bar without my knees forward, and I imagine would be even harder if my hips were higher.

Huh, that's weird... I could have sworn I saw your hips go way up, your knees come back, and your hands stayed on the bar just before each pull.

[Will Morris]

What's the purpose of the MRI?

[mps]

So I am in the correct position contrary to what Mark said? I don't get what you're saying.

[Austin Baraki]

So I am in the correct position contrary to what Mark said? I don't get what you're saying.

No, I agree with Rip. You're not in the correct position when you start the pull.

But your hamstrings are quite obviously flexible enough to allow you to get into a higher-hip position and still reach the bar... because you do it in the split second before dropping your hips on every single rep.

[mps]

No, I agree with Rip. You're not in the correct position when you start the pull.

But your hamstrings are quite obviously flexible enough to allow you to get into a higher-hip position and still reach the bar... because you do it in the split second before dropping your hips on every single rep.

Oh right. I see the issue. Thanks for the help Mark & Austin.

[mps]

I went through the steps in the book again, but I simply cannot grip the bar without bending my knees. I think Austin was saying I do get in the right position at some point in my pull, but that's only when I can use the weighted bar to pull myself into position.

I'm working on my flexibility, but for now I am pulling myself back before the lift: File 000 - YouTube

I think my hips are also low as a result of the inflexibility. Is this an okay position to lift in as I continue to work on my mobility?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Your hips are low because you are lowering your hips. Don't lower your hips.

Better yet, find a SSC.