When I Squat Under Load My Stomach Looks Like It's Doing Half-Vacuum

Bigger Stronger Leaner Powerlifting & Strength Sports
21

It is a diagnosed mild scoliosis. Main issue is the subluxation at L3-4. I was bracing but evidently half the stomach wasnt firing- the odd part was rather than simply not being extended against the belt it was sucked in. That non perfectly straight spine (which is quite common in mild form) isnt what I had physio/chiropractic care for, but the L3-4 sublux degeneration described as wear and tear but without treatment and core exercises to stabilise it resulted in one leg not firing due to a bone pressing on a nerve.

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Thats how back looks on Xray. Straight up then near top spine curves sideways so a load across the top isnt evenly spread, but posturally you wouldnā€™t see a difference.

22

Get a nerve conduction study.

I will add, however, that abdominals recieve innervation from above above L3-4. If i recall correctly, their innervation is from T7-12.

I find it unlikely that this is a coordination issue.

Just confirming, when you inhale to brace, half your abdomen sucks inwards?

23

Only under load, no load all is normal

24

You should have told us this from the beginning, you would have spared yourself a bunch of jokes and smart ass remarks.

This or something related to it could potentially be the reason why you have an apparent imbalance in your abs. Ideally you would want to work with a specialist in person, and one who knows a bit about squatting heavy. Unfortunately I canā€™t help you.

25

Yeah Iā€™m tapped out of ideas. Anatomically, I donā€™t think this is related to the L3-4 spinal nerve block, but you should still get it checked out by someone who can see you in person. @chris_ottawa nailed it

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26

Should you even be squatting under load ?

27

Iā€™m no doctor, but I would advise against it for now, at least until the issue is sorted out. Scoliosis doesnā€™t necessarily mean you canā€™t lift, Lamar Gant was one of the best lifters and had major scoliosis, but it can increase the risk of injury. Add the fact that the OP canā€™t brace properly, plus he has already had spinal injuries from degeneration, itā€™s just not worth the risk. Unless he was an elite powerlifter who suddenly developed some of these issues and was willing to take the risk (which is still a highly questionable decision), the risk greatly outweighs any potential reward at the moment.

28

Yeah i got scoliosis in the therasic areaā€¦ with him mentioning a degenerative condition. The question was rhetorical in nature. As you mentioned there is no benefit in it.

29

There was this old guy (jbackos) who used to post here, he had mild scoliosis and squatted over 700 in single ply back in the day. That alone doesnā€™t mean you canā€™t lift, but itā€™s a risk factor for sure.

30

Me or the Op?

31

Anyone with scoliosis I guess. Iā€™m not trying to give you advice because I know you have been lifting for a long time and you know what you are doing.

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32

Thanks for the vote of confidenceā€¦ i think you might be one of a handful that think that. Since i really donā€™t go out of my way to explain stuff to others. Along with not quoting some studies since that not my thing.

No I just thought you was thinking I may not be lifting because of my own scoliosis. Just wanted to make sure we werenā€™t miscommunicating.

On a side note its a bitch to squat withā€¦ since a loaded bar likes to sit weird on the shelf.

33

But you donā€™t compete anymore, if I was you I would just use a SSB instead.

34

Yepā€¦ which i am at the moment.

1 Like