lower back pain when working legs

[nimbus]

at first i thought it was maybe just bad form when squatting, but i get it even when i just do leg press and hack squats. i dont really notice it while im doing the exercise, but when stand back up, and bend over to add and remove plates it hurts like shit. i can't really pinpoint where the pain is coming from, just the general area right above my butt, and sometimes i get shooting pains down the front of my legs. i'm fairly new at lifting so i dont know if this is normal, or if i'm doing something wrong. The pain i can handle, but i'm worried that i'm doing permanent damage or that i may injure myself

 

[bignate73]

my best guess would be that you are possibly not flexible in either your glutes or low back. it could be your form on leg presses too. some people allow their hips to leave the pad, thus rolling up their low back. this is wrong. pay close attention to what your low back is doing as well as your hips and see.

 

[wnt2bBeast]

I agree with nate..just because your on a machine you can have bad form..you can lift through pain but NEVER lift through an injury..heres a good vid of a crazy fin with excellent squat form..the only thing i recommend differently is to put both hands on the bar lol..but other than that try to copy this form..
http://www.finnishpower.net/pics/patteri200.mpg
also im thinking that since you new to lifting you may just have to develop you lower back strength