Originally Posted by
Bill Anders
Åsali,
Having been where you are at a couple of times, I would keep training. But I am not a doctor, nor a physical therapist, nor any of those other professions that could tell you for sure what is going on with you. So take below with the appropriate grain of salt, as it's not medical advice.
The reason that I say that is based on your descriptions, especially when you mention that it worsens right as you re-rack the bar. I do know that at its worst, I would have very successful heavy squat sets, only to have to grab the rack and hold myself up for a minute because of the pain. Then I'd straighten up and walk around until my next set, which would go great, then I'd have to grab the rack again. This happened off and on for a couple of weeks, then everything settled down as my lower back adjusted to the volume. The light squat days sure helped with that.
It has been a few months since I've had the issue, but just this morning, as soon as I was done tying my boots, it returned for a moment. That told me that my activities this week—heavy squats & deads on Monday; a brisk 15km hike with 700m of elevation gain on Tuesday; then my Light Wednesday (90% of Monday)—have stressed my back a bit. Unfortunately, I couldn't heed that warning, as I had tied on my boots to lead a team spending the day digging a new hiking trail today. Tomorrow is a Heavy squat day and Medium deads, so I may just very well be in your same situation this weekend.
I know that it's worrisome when it's happening to you, but you aren't alone in experiencing this. If you haven't yet, read the articles that I linked a few discussions back that cover back pain and lifting. Also, search the "Managing Injuries" forum and you'll find many entries on your situation. Of course, you can post your question in that forum; Dr Will Morris has been very responsive to queries lately.
Hang in there. It will get better. Much better than if you stop lifting.