Top range deadlifts a bad idea after having herniated a disc before?

[Slyder190]

8 months back I herniated a disc. A medium herniation of the disc between L5 and S1. 5 weeks out of the gym, careful everyday life movement and a great chiropractor and I was back to normal. I have never attempted regular squats or deadlifts again out of straight up fear of re-injury and the idea of not being in the gym for so long again. Would top range deadlifts be a bad idea? Just a note, I first felt the pain while attemtping heavy close grip bent over rows. I had been making progress in poundages at the time and perhaps attempting that exercise with an increasing weight was just too much. You never really or hear of pros using them and I've only seen pics of Arnold ever doing them. However, my chiropractor did tell me that the exercise may have just aggrivated the condition. He said that a certain number (can't remember what the # was) have a herniation and don't know it because it isn't severe or just not protruding in a a postion directly against the nerves.

 

[mrt]

It is hard to tell without knowing the level of your injury and/or your current condition. It would be a bad idea if someone just says: "Go For It"

I've injured my back twice, first one was due to a bad fall while water skiing, which took couple of months to heal and second one was just lifting something heavy off the ground. None of them were severe but put me out of action for some months and I wasn't lifting at all in those days (3-4yrs ago) Then I started lifting again seriously but never done squats and deadlifts for about year until I felt I am strong enough with my body to do them.

As you know concentration and technique are key factors to prevent injury in those excersizes. I'd recommend that you start streghtening your lower back with movements like Good Mornings and Hyper Extensions without weights for couple of months and then move to Deadlifting. You should use very light weights to improve your technique and never try to find out your Max. IMHO more reps less weight is also very rewarding in Deadlifts. No need to risk your back again.

Good Luck

 

[macho21]

If you do, start very light. I would still consult your doctor or chiro. Good luck

 

[cccp]

You never really or hear of pros using them and I've only seen pics of Arnold ever doing them.

I've seen a picture of Franco Colombo doing those.