Lifting belt and high weights?

[b fold the truth]

You need to make sure that you don't have some pre-existing condition.
Make sure that you are not "tight" anywhere (hamstrings, hip flexors, erectors, etc...).
STRENGTHEN YOUR CORE!!!!!!!

B True

 

[blut wump]

CasualBB recommended a book to me called "Core Performance" by Mark Verstegen. I read through it over the past couple of days and it's filled with exercises for conditioning your core and loosening core and posterior-chain muscles. It's also filled with lots of annoying waffle to convince you to work on it but it does contain a humungous selection of exercises and programs to fit them into.

I've spent all of this year avoiding my belt unless I really felt the need for high-intensity lifts and I think it's helped me. Pushing against a belt can help you to lift heavier but if you're getting unexpected pains (rather than just aches or "pumps") then it is probably muscle tightness. Then again, a visit to a chiropractor might be in order.

You could also re-examine your form and posture in the squat since increasing weight can change your center of gravity and maybe cause you to lose your form. Get someone to watch you and criticise.