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

[nukdae]

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

 

[H_T_]

any repetitive motion is gonna wear on your body, but i see way too many "old-timers" still loadin' up barbells and puttin' them on their backs. if it's good enuff for them, it's good enuff for me.

 

[anthrax]

So what exercice(s) did he tell you to do in place of squats ?

 

[nukdae]

Anthrax, he told me the following were good replacements:

1. Low Wait Spinning Squats

You know that crazy shit where you have bar loaded lightly, do a rep, stand up, turn your body 180 degrees, do another rep and so on ...

Not as much stress on the back.

Of course, you aren't going to get the same kind of workout ...

2. Dumbell Lunges

I think he may be a mit misinformed on this one as that gives you quite a bit more ham workout, no?

Then it *is* an awesome exercise that puts stress on many muscles at once (so should be a good mass builder, I think).

...

That's all he said. I'm seeing him again tonight so I'll ask him if XYZ are OK. Want me to ask about a few specific exercises? (Just as an exercise - let's see what this guy suggests - right or wrong.)

Nukdae

 

[eat big]

i never thought they were essential.

untill i did them.

my legs have caught up with the rest of my body finally.

 

[anthrax]

Nukdae,

I've already heard this kind of "advice" from doc (who makes conclusion about squats from litterature, which is not always accurate, and from big mofo who may have injured themselves after using huge weights)

Obviously if you avoid squat, DL, and most compound exercices you lower your chance of back injury

Is it what you want ?
I don't think so

First, the exercice you mentioned will never lead to the same results

Secondly, I think - no proof though - that squats with moderate weight will help you build a stronger core, lower back posterior chain etc that in the end is the best injury prevention.

My $ .02

 

[anthrax]

BTW, did he mentioned front squat, which should put less stress on the lower back ?

 

[Lee]

what in the hell would the benefits of low weight spinning squats be?

 

[curgeo]

He should read this article and so should you. Make sure to check out pages 18 and 19. There are other discussions in here about knees and the biomechanics of the squat on top of compressive issues. It also discusses the olympic and powerlifting squat.

http://purepowermag.com/samples/pdf/squat1to39.pdf

"A case study on a powerlifting world record holder who squatted over 1000 pounds found normal spinal alignment and no evidence of disk herniation or compressive disease."

 

[b fold the truth]

You know what my chiropractor told me?

"All men on this Planet should be able to squat 315."

Of course...he is an athlete. Played football in high school, rugby in college, competes in cross country bicycle marathon type things, rides motocross, etc...and does REALLY well as a chiropractor.

B True