Over Arching the lower back?

[stevius]

Normally before I start a back squat dead lift or power clean I make a conscious effort to squeeze my lower back to try and get as much posterior tilt or tightness. During a back squat yesterday I think I may have descended a little fast and slightly strained the base of my back.

Foolishly I continued to squat more although I found I could avoid the pain from my twinge by not trying to squeeze my lower back. I found that I had to use more quadriceps- like a front squat- and less lower back with a (hopefully) neutral or straight back position.

I know that my hips don’t exactly tuck under and I wonder if it’s better not to try too hard keeping a tight arch and focusing more on leg drive, although I’m afraid of busting my back on dead lifts and especially power cleans.

 

[Sculelos]

You don't need to squeeze the back of your back, that probably just puts more strain on it.

Instead try to relax it some but still make sure to keep your back straight, I dunno thats what I do but I also watch myself in a gigantic mirror while working out so I can keep my form easily in check.