Chiro Says, "No One Should Do Squats! They are Too Dangerous!" Is He Right?

[Griz1]

i was not giving rehab advice nor was i giving a routine for someone with a back problem to follow..my point was that area should be strengthened under a Dr's supervision..

Oh yea, I know. I got that.

Wasn't directed at you at all. Just the overall thread.

 

[youlikadajuice]

So, I injured my back doing squats and my chiro hooked me up (good guy, great service).

Since he's been working on me my posture has changed (for the better) so I can't do squats the way I used to. I said, "What's the right form for squats?" He said, "Don't do them. Even a lot of pro bodybuilders are avoiding squats now. You can get the same benefit without the risk doing other exercises."

So, is he full of it or right on?

Nukdae

you can get the same benefit without the risk doing other exercises, but once in a while you could throw in squats. I stopped doing them because they fuck up me tendons in my knees.

 

[curgeo]

you can get the same benefit without the risk doing other exercises, but once in a while you could throw in squats. I stopped doing them because they fuck up me tendons in my knees.

It depends on what benifits you are trying to achieve. Were you using the smith machine when you squatted? Do you have existing knee problems? Were you allowing your knees to shift in front of you? There are a lot of variables.

Please read the article I posted. It talks about sheer pressure and the knees in relation to squatting olympic and power style.

 

[youlikadajuice]

It depends on what benifits you are trying to achieve. Were you using the smith machine when you squatted? Do you have existing knee problems? Were you allowing your knees to shift in front of you? There are a lot of variables.

Please read the article I posted. It talks about sheer pressure and the knees in relation to squatting olympic and power style.

I was doing regular squats. My knees are fine now, but whenever I go over 315 on sets of squats or heavier, after a while my tendon starts to bother me. Plus, I've found that doing lunges works better for me than regular squats. No pressure on the knees whatsoever.

 

[b fold the truth]

Ok despite all that, the bottom line is that to generalize about this topic is to say the least, dangerous.

It depends on the back injury (or surgery) and whether or not you can actually bring it back to full function. No matter how bad you want it, depending on the injury, you just might not be able to get it, and wind up making it worse. The ONLY way to ascertain this is through consult with qualified professionals.

I've brought my back a long way from where it was over the years. But I will never be able to max out my squat. I can put myself in bed for a week by loading up what should be a mere "respectable lift". I still squat but modestly and very carefully.

To advise someone with a back injury to work on their lifts, without knowing what exactly their injury entails, is IMO just bad advice and foolish. What runs through the spine again? There's a reason old people toast to good health and no lower back pain.

Pulling some muscles in your back vs. damaging the actual vertabrae, tissue, or cord are two VERY drastically different things that can impose significantly different lifetime limits to what you can and can't do. Sometimes surgery can do wonders, sometimes it can't.

I agree with most of what you say...and I'd suggest you contacting Louie Simmons. His info is probably located at www.elitefts.com.

B True

 

[psychedout]

Squats are pretty much the only thing you need to develop nice thighs. That and SLDL.

 

[super_rice]

just being healthy is the major benefit...

when you are just beginning to squat especially, i would recommend doing deads as well, to bring up your lumbar strength

 

[roidpuple]

in time you should be able to do squats again.....
but you need to get the back problem fixed 1st.. then you should be able to start with light wieght and work your way up... but go for reps instead of max weight...

 

[ghettostudmuffin]

It's all about technique.

ALOT of people think their technique is good when really it isn't or just plain sucks, especially when it comes to squatting.

I'm just now getting my technique down to the point that it can be considered good in the eyes of a solid powerlifter.

T E C H N I Q U E...Learn it....Live It.....Love It......!

 

[bignate73]

I was doing regular squats. My knees are fine now, but whenever I go over 315 on sets of squats or heavier, after a while my tendon starts to bother me. Plus, I've found that doing lunges works better for me than regular squats. No pressure on the knees whatsoever.

don't take this the wrong way, but my guess is your squat form is off. if lunges don't put pressure on your knees, then you need to carry over that form to squats. my guess is your knees shoot forward when you squat. if you squatted with your shins vertical, similar to how you lunge you may not experience it.

just an idea.