Lifting with back safety in mind

[WackyRig]

Backstory - 6 years ago I had an L5/S1 microdiscectomy to remove a very large disc fragment from my sciatic nerve. Since then and lots out PT I got comfortably back into lifting. The only two lifts I was advised by my neurosurgeon, PT and Strength coach to avoid was traditional back/front squats and traditional dead lifts. Unilateral work such as single leg RDLs and BSS stuff has been my mainstay leg work. Along with a lot of other similar things.
I also have to avoid any rotational work.

I am now undergoing treatment for another disc issue. This time not as severe right now but also not fun. Herniation at L5/S1 crushing the sciatic nerve. Surgeon says this is minor compared to what I had last time and he will avoid surgery at all cost. Had an epidural steroid injection yesterday and back to PT next week.

So..... I am looking to do my homework. When I do get back into things, slowly, I want to completely focus on lifting with my back restrictions in mind. Unilateral work for my legs, properly braced upper body work, core work absent any rotation.
Any resources you can share or advice?

Thanks

[Christopher Anderson]

Rip has a podcast with Mac Ward about Mac's back injury that almost cost him his military career, that might be worth a watch for you.

[manveer]

You probably want to use a belt more/all the time. Also, flat back deadlifts only.

[WackyRig]

Thanks Lex...Exactly the stuff I am looking for.

[WackyRig]

You probably want to use a belt more/all the time. Also, flat back deadlifts only.

Yeah, I may need to consider a belt. But there will be no deadlifts. I realize the basis of the forum I am in but squats and deadlifts are not in consideration.
Thnx

[Bryan Dobson]

I would say a strong back is a safe back..but you are already far down the PT and surgical rathole.

[WackyRig]

I would say a strong back is a safe back..but you are already far down the PT and surgical rathole.

Back strength is part of PT. And I agree. First occurrence wasn't a muscle or strength issue. But rather an 80 mph crash with a drunk driver during a pursuit. (Former cop)

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[Sam Beckham]

I would say a strong back is a safe back..but you are already far down the PT and surgical rathole.

I spent a couple of years in those ratholes.

My experience was very similar to Mac's, once I got back to lifting. I could do light deads at first, but squats to depth were a no-go.

[Satch12879]

But there will be no deadlifts. I realize the basis of the forum I am in but squats and deadlifts are not in consideration.

Why not?

[WackyRig]

I did last time. Three surgeons in three different practices. The fragment was doing damage. Injections were working and it wasn't moving. No choice but to go get it.
My surgeon is ironically anti surgery. He has told me point blank he will only operate as a last resort. Even if that means me dealing with the pain for months. If he has to operate on the same disc it is a major game changer in my activity due to what was removed during my first round.

And yes...There is definitely a build up component to doing some things.

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