Squats And Spinal Compression

[ChrisD]

Squats definitely cause spinal compression, even when done right. Are the risks worth it?

[Nicolette L.]

I don't know much about it. I would love more info. I love squats. I could not imagine doing legs without them. It is one of my favorite things. I take it you don't do them. I have never been injured doing squats. Have you? More information would be great.

[ChrisD]

I like them it's just I do correct form and I still have spine compression. Have to ligten the load I guess. Great excercise but some risk.

[CharlesDMickey]

Squats definitely cause spinal compression, even when done right. Are the risks worth it?

I say yes. If you’re truly worried about it, strongman may not be the sport for you. If you’re into fitness / BB you may be able to get the desired result via other methods.
I think most people suffer disk compression as a result of age, possibly more so with the additions of years / decades of heavy training.
I have some compression in the low back; to "fight it" I use inversion boots. Not sure if they do any good.... maybe just a good placebo.
Im still squatting. Well, not much of a squat but a squat none the less.

[ChrisD]

Thanks, I'm just more into fitness, not really bodybuilding or Strongman, but I like to watch Strongman and I follow it. Thanks for the advice. I'll use it.

[Mike Yuen]

i heavy squated yesterday ...and i can tell you that on my last set when i unracked it...i and set my foot placement..in my mind i usually say LIGHT WEIGHT BABY>...but then instead i thought...HEAVY ASS WEIGHT! ....just from standing there with the weight on my back.

But when squating i don't feel it anymore.. It was a great squat day..even though i had a headache and thought i couldn't focus...

its funny ...legs never fail even when you don't feel good.

[Tony Moses]

I say whatever risks exist, squats are still worth it. Correct form minimizes risk, but I truly feel that if something is 100% risk free, then it is also 100% ineffective.

[davebeers]

how do you know that you have spinal compression? Even if you do....who really cares.

[ChrisD]

You can feel it. It's bad because you don't want to end up in a wheel chair.


I don't think TO squats from looking at his workout.

[BrianKing]

Increase the strength of your torso (abs, obliques, low back). Wear a good belt on your top end work sets. Go see a Chiropractor or Dr. and see what they think. You won't end up in a wheel chair from doing squats in correct fashion.

[CharlesDMickey]

Thanks, I'm just more into fitness, not really bodybuilding or Strongman, but I like to watch Strongman and I follow it. Thanks for the advice. I'll use it.

Squatting isn’t really necessary for you. But it still may do you a world of good. If you are worried about the spine don’t squat so heavy.

[Joshua Davis]

If you are into fitness, why even worry? Squatting with any weight sub 300lbs won't do anything unless you are tiny or exert poor, and I mean super poor form.

[ChrisD]

Thanks for the advice

[Patrick McGuffin]

that and whatever you do dont let the bar bounce at the top with a heavy weight, it hurts..... um :BB:

[davebeers]

can someone tell me why spinal compression is bad?
I broke two vertebrae 4 years ago and have found doing squats is necessary to keep myself from having back problems. I do some variation of a squat 3x a week, and i go pretty heavy.

I read somewhere that the stress put on your spine during regular sports requiring running and jumping is much more than that of weightlifting.

[Jamie McEwan]

The pounding on the spine from doing jumps (plyometrics) and sprinting, jogging, etc. is harder on your spine than squatting or deadlifting. Keep good form, where a belt on heavy sets, do lots of ab work, and squat. You won't get shorter (by much ;)), you won't stunt growth, and you'll get some 'fit' legs.
Just man up and squat. It's good for everyone (minus people who can't stand, for example).
And anyways, I'm pretty sure it takes good fitness to finish a set of 20 rep squats.

[Clint Darden]

"Find me a completely safe exercise and I'll show you one that is probably completely worthless."

Louis Simmons

[Cassidy Drake]

Isn't that the truth.

[ChrisD]

None the less they do cause spinal compression Cassidy. What are the risks of walking like the Masai? Very Little.

[ChrisD]

P.S. Who becomes moderators and how? Also are members rank based on total posts or posts per day OR length of time of being a member?

[DaneGarreau]

Anything you do standing upright will cause spinal compression, that includes brushing your teeth, walking, standing still.

[ChrisD]

Very true, Dane. but walking puts less than sprinting and squats, but I mean a real walk, like the Masai do , but spread out not all at once.

I'm not necessarily for walking, just saying it is low risk. It might not even be too effective. I am still experimenting.

[MarkSikora]

Chris,

Your posts are very interesting.

If you really want to be a tough, strong, bad ass human, you can forget the squats (I would not want to see you have problems w/ "spinal compression", you can forget the T.O. workouts (would not want to see you turn into an arrogant sob), you can forget "walking like the Masai."

If I were you, I would save my money. Take a flight to Africa. Hunt LIONS like the Masai. That shit will get you in shape asap, or.....it might kill you in the process. But, some people work out so they can leave a pretty corpse.

I, on the other hand, believe in the Charles Bukowski school (he was a writer, you can look him up at your schools library). He said something to the effect: "We are here to drink beer. We are here to laugh at the odds. We are here to live or lives so well, that death will tremble to take us." He didn't sweat the small stuff. He wasn't worried about knee pain, spinal compression. (Of course he was a raging alcoholic, not a strongman)

In other words: If you want to worry about "spinal compression" and squats, or knee probelms and squats or anything and squats, go for it. But.. a lot of people on this site, live by the squat in all its forms. And....their backs are fine (and strong), their knees are fine (and strong) etc.

Don't worry so much about all the esoteric crap. If you enjoy lifiting weights, and you do it with proper form, do it. If you want excuses not to lift weights, make them up and don't lift.

Sorry for the rant. I just think you are spending too much time worried about the little things. Enjoy life. Enjoy working out (or don't). Find something to do that you like and that doesn't jeopardize your health. I, for one, enjoy lifting, enjoy trying to do strongman stuff. I am a lot older than you (38), and my body is doing ok. My back is fine, my knees ok etc. I have been squatting off and on for a long time w/o any ill effects. Unless you count trying to find pants that fit short, fat dudes w/ fat asses and legs.

Long rant: short point- squat right= good
squat wrong= you could get hurt
life is short
have fun

good luck

Mark

p.s.- check out crossfit.com for different types of workouts w/ weights, bars, body weight etc. Might be more of what you are looking for.

[Ryan Brown]

P.S. Who becomes moderators and how? Also are members rank based on total posts or posts per day OR length of time of being a member?

quality of posts

[Paul Neuhaus]

Chris,

Your posts are very interesting.

If you really want to be a tough, strong, bad ass human, you can forget the squats (I would not want to see you have problems w/ "spinal compression", you can forget the T.O. workouts (would not want to see you turn into an arrogant sob), you can forget "walking like the Masai."

If I were you, I would save my money. Take a flight to Africa. Hunt LIONS like the Masai. That shit will get you in shape asap, or.....it might kill you in the process. But, some people work out so they can leave a pretty corpse.

I, on the other hand, believe in the Charles Bukowski school (he was a writer, you can look him up at your schools library). He said something to the effect: "We are here to drink beer. We are here to laugh at the odds. We are here to live or lives so well, that death will tremble to take us." He didn't sweat the small stuff. He wasn't worried about knee pain, spinal compression. (Of course he was a raging alcoholic, not a strongman)

In other words: If you want to worry about "spinal compression" and squats, or knee probelms and squats or anything and squats, go for it. But.. a lot of people on this site, live by the squat in all its forms. And....their backs are fine (and strong), their knees are fine (and strong) etc.

Don't worry so much about all the esoteric crap. If you enjoy lifiting weights, and you do it with proper form, do it. If you want excuses not to lift weights, make them up and don't lift.

Sorry for the rant. I just think you are spending too much time worried about the little things. Enjoy life. Enjoy working out (or don't). Find something to do that you like and that doesn't jeopardize your health. I, for one, enjoy lifting, enjoy trying to do strongman stuff. I am a lot older than you (38), and my body is doing ok. My back is fine, my knees ok etc. I have been squatting off and on for a long time w/o any ill effects. Unless you count trying to find pants that fit short, fat dudes w/ fat asses and legs.

Long rant: short point- squat right= good
squat wrong= you could get hurt
life is short
have fun

good luck

Mark

p.s.- check out crossfit.com for different types of workouts w/ weights, bars, body weight etc. Might be more of what you are looking for.
Mark,
I couldn't have said it better myself! I do some form of squat and DL training every week. I also train the events every week. And my lumbar is crooked!
If I went into the gym every day thinking "Oh man, what's this gonna do to my spine?" I'd NEVER be able to stay focused and get a good workout with a clear head!

[MarkSikora]

Paul,

I was trying to say what you said, it just took me longer!! :BB:

Ryan,

Classic!!

see ya

Mark

[Craig Smith]

Great post Mark.

I have a condition (fractured vertebrae, etc...) that prevents me from back squatting. The doc says the muscle is holding everything together there. So, what do i do? I Zercher squat. I have for years. My back hurts, my knees hurt, both shoulders have partially torn cuffs, etc... but i still do it every week. Just the way it is....

[Paul Neuhaus]

Great post Mark.

I have a condition (fractured vertebrae, etc...) that prevents me from back squatting. The doc says the muscle is holding everything together there. So, what do i do? I Zercher squat. I have for years. My back hurts, my knees hurt, both shoulders have partially torn cuffs, etc... but i still do it every week. Just the way it is....
Oh my goodness! You're gonna hurt yourself! :LOL:

[CharlesDMickey]

Chris,

I, on the other hand, believe in the Charles Bukowski school (he was a writer, you can look him up at your schools library). He said something to the effect: "We are here to drink beer. We are here to laugh at the odds. We are here to live or lives so well, that death will tremble to take us." He didn't sweat the small stuff. He wasn't worried about knee pain, spinal compression. (Of course he was a raging alcoholic, not a strongman)



Mark; steeped in the wisdom of a raging alcoholic.?.?.

that’s weird....

[CharlesDMickey]

I have a condition (fractured vertebrae, etc...) that prevents me from back squatting. The doc says the muscle is holding everything together there. So, what do i do? I Zercher squat. I have for years. My back hurts, my knees hurt, both shoulders have partially torn cuffs, etc... but i still do it every week. Just the way it is....


Oh yeah? Well, I have two herniated disks, chondromalacia in both knees, some faggoty wrist pain, and asthma! So there! Top that! :EP:

Hell I can't train today! I may die.

:YT:

Maybe I'll just walk on the treadmill.... :C: on second thought, maybe I'll just have a Twinkie.

[Craig Smith]

LOL, i think i had you til you threw in "faggoty wrist pain". How am i supposed to compete with that? I give up, place me an order for a twinkie also.

-C



(oh yea, two knee surgeries as well ;) )

[SBaier]

Great post Mark!! Thanks for saying what many of us feel!

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was... Just enjoy the ride brother, we're all gonna die! You can interpret the line many different ways... but for me, it simply means enjoy what you get, strive for what you want, and don't worry about the little sh*t!

And if you think this doesn't relate to squating... I enjoy the results I get from squatting, I am striving to be stronger, and if my knee hurts or back aches a little... I take care of it the best I can and not worry about it.

[Clint Darden]

I came home a few weeks ago with a large bruise on my forehead (didn't know it was there). Nefi looks at me and asks what I've done and if I had some residue from the tire on my face or something. Looked in the mirror and realized that I got that bruise from squatting...or popping my forehead against the bar before my heavy set...lol.

She jus rolled her eyes and shook her head.

Clint

[Paul Neuhaus]

I came home a few weeks ago with a large bruise on my forehead (didn't know it was there). Nefi looks at me and asks what I've done and if I had some residue from the tire on my face or something. Looked in the mirror and realized that I got that bruise from squatting...or popping my forehead against the bar before my heavy set...lol.

She jus rolled her eyes and shook her head.

Clint
LOLOL HAHA!!!
I guess you're really "in the zone" when you can headbutt a BB and not even know it!!

[Kÿle Vezeau]

Oh yeah? Well, I have two herniated disks, chondromalacia in both knees, some faggoty wrist pain, and asthma! So there! Top that!

Hell I can't train today! I may die.

:YT:

Maybe I'll just walk on the treadmill.... :C: on second thought, maybe I'll just have a Twinkie.


Torn ligament in my ankle, torn ligament in left hip {goodbye ROM}, torn rotator cuff x 3, torn small pectoral, faggoty wrist pain, shitty knees, arthritis and High blood pressure all at the age of 20.


Your move :BL:

I've been trying to throw my back out but it's just to damn well made :mag:

[Jamie McEwan]

I've got a small dip in the lower part of my spine, and my chiropractor from a couple years back told me that I'd never be near the top in any strength sport because of it. I just gave him a big "FU" this year by placing as the #4 teen in NAS Inc. I'm going to continue to lift hard, enjoy myself, and take the risks that are a part of lifting. You can't let people tell you something and just believe it blindly. Try out some light squatting with good form. Make your own judgment then.

Do you drive a car? Do you enjoy carnival rides? Do you walk down the street without full body armor? Well, then you're probably putting yourself through more risks than you'd be taking by squatting.

[Mac Smith]

8 knee surgeries!!! Including 3 reconstructions!!! I love to squat and will do them until I can't walk or die!!!

[davebeers]

I sprained my finger yesterday! Can i be in the cool injured guy club now?

[DaneGarreau]

I sprained my knee once wrestling. Does that count?

[Paul Neuhaus]

I have a nasty hang-nail.

[Paul Neuhaus]

I know a silverback gorilla could squat a helluva lot more than me. But, at least I'm not afraid of the vacuum cleaner!!!

[Jamie McEwan]

Sprained fingers and hang nails are some of the most common career ending injuries of strength athletes. I avoid any movement where I have to use my hands in fear of the risk involved.

[Todd Larson]

How about this one.... I was climbing over a barbwire fence when the damn wood post that I was standing on broke!!! I found myself in the ER getting stitches were one shouldn't :eek: The doctor told me that in 20yrs of practice he never had to put lidocaine there before. I could tell he felt bad though. I was really sore but ended up ok. My wife and I still plan to have kids!
Todd Larson

[Mac Smith]

How about this one.... I was climbing over a barbwire fence when the damn wood post that I was standing on broke!!! I found myself in the ER getting stitches were one shouldn't :eek: The doctor told me that in 20yrs of practice he never had to put lidocaine there before. I could tell he felt bad though. I was really sore but ended up ok. My wife and I still plan to have kids!
Todd Larson


HOLY SH*T!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Matt Parkes]

How about this one.... I was climbing over a barbwire fence when the damn wood post that I was standing on broke!!! I found myself in the ER getting stitches were one shouldn't :eek: The doctor told me that in 20yrs of practice he never had to put lidocaine there before. I could tell he felt bad though. I was really sore but ended up ok. My wife and I still plan to have kids!
Todd Larson

One or two solid sets of box squats would have fixed you right up.

[Jay O'Neill]

I know a silverback gorilla could squat a helluva lot more than me. But, at least I'm not afraid of the vacuum cleaner!!!
Now that makes me Laugh!!! :)