Over a year ago I had a serious injury to one of my discs. I recovered and have been lifting regularly for about 8 months now. I worked very hard on my form since then. So last week I finally get a belt and try it on DLs. After just 1 final set using the belt, my previously injured area starts acting up. Pretty ironic.
I also had some creaky feelings down there after using the belt on 1 squat set. It’s like wtf, am I wearing it wrong or making it too tight? I think what happened is the tightness it makes on my back gives me a false sense of security, so I decrease the amount of tensing in my lower back. This really sucks though, my problem area is acting up again. I guess I’m gonna do some exercises the rehab people gave me. So this is actually 2 questions, the belt and my injury. I’m on a 5x5 program and squatting 3/week.
I would suggest you do some serious high rep work, with a low weight. Build up some strength, as well as some mobility. Strengthen the tissue around your discs before you go really heavy.
I’ve been doing a lot of front squats lately, and finishing with a couple sets of back squats. I figured it was a good way to learn how to squat, but it also puts less stress on the back:
It might be a good substitute until you can get your back feeling healthy again. I don’t know any good deadlift substitutes though.
I think doing the rehab exercises is a good idea too.
Thanks for the replies. I might consider front squatting while I assess this problem. I’m also doing the rehab exercises given. Does anyone know where I can find good mobility exercises…specifically for the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back (if they exist).