Squatting with a cambered bar

[ThePhoenix]

Rip,
I developed bicipital tendonitis from squatting. The pain became unbearable when the weight was over 300lbs. I assume I did not lock the bar in enough and therefore it was slipping lower on heavy sets and causing stress on the tendon. It became so unbearable I could not bench press or powerclean. I read up on it and decided to switch to a cambered bar for backsquats and the pain went away completely (with the aid of Ibuprofen).

Questions:

Will the use of the cambered bar change the mechanics of the lift much? if so how?

Should I just use the bar as a bridge until I rid myself of the tendonitis or is it ok to use this bar semi-permanently (i know the westside guys avoid high rep squatting with a straight bar for this reason)?

thanks for your time, Rip.

btw I attended your Denver barbell cert in May and learned a lot. Anyone thinking of going to one should DEFINITELY go. It is well worth it.

thanks again,

Ryan

[Mark Rippetoe]

It doesn't change squat mechanics at all, since the bar still ocupies the same spot on the back and over the mid-foot. I use a bent bar for squats myself, sort of a home-made cambered bar that doesn't roll around. And thanks for the plug.