Spectacular Mid Back Pain

[JSHADE]

Sir,
While moving a heavy object over my head last night, I felt a slight twinge about three inches above the base of my spine. Afterwards, I warmed up and started some squats, all seemed fine until about halfway up I felt a sharp pain in the same area. I racked the weight, and went on to some other lifts, and took it easy. The weight was something that I could easily handle. There is shooting pain if I attempt to bend over, and general pain all around the area. Also shooting pain when I stand and walk. There is no pain in the cheeks of my a@@ and there is no shooting pain down my legs.
I am going to go to the chiropractor today. Should I take the fact that there is no pain gravitating down my leg as a good sign that I have not seriously hurt myself?
thanks
J

[Mark Rippetoe]

Not necessarily. You can have a disc injury that has not herniated that reacts like this, but it could also be a facet joint. What did you have above your head?

[JSHADE]

thanks for your reply. I was lifting a small safe, about 60 lbs or so, off of a platform that was over my head. I was not directly under it, and my hips were back a bit. The pain was immediate, and when I got to the gym later to try to do squats, I knew I was in trouble. I went to the chiropractor today, he took some x rays, and told me that my spine was out of alignment, where the pain was. He did some electric stimulation to the area, and recomended that I come back friday and tuesday for more of the same. He said that if it does not get any better, or if it radiates down my legs, then he would recomend a MRI. What do you think?

[Mark Rippetoe]

I think that's good advice, but I'd get a second opinion from another chiropractor tomorrow. If you get another MRI recommendation, go get it now.

[JSHADE]

Sir,
After the pain dulled, I started the three sets of 45 for 25 reps. The following day, I increased, and on up. Two days ago, I was able to hit 225 for 15 with just soreness, all in the original area that I had injured. Yesterday PPS, Strong Enough, and Starting Strength all arrived in the mail. After reading starting strength in one sitting (I plan on spending a lot more time with it) I tried the novice program today. Squat 3 sets, five reps, 225. Bench 3 Sets, five reps, 225 and deadlift 1 set five reps, 315. Before my injury I had a max squat of 375, max dead of 435, and a max bench of 335. My overhead press was sad enough to make a man cry. At 44 years old and 230 lbs, My question is this, since I have had some form issues in the past, would following the ss novice routine be a good way to get back on track?, also, thank you very much for the injury advice and for providing an enjoyable and educational read.

[Mark Rippetoe]

It is always safe to start with a linear increase. Just use it as long as it works and then move to more complicated programming. Progress may not last as long since you're not really a novice, but even if it doesn't you will get stronger faster than with any other method. This is also covered in PPST.