Lumbar Compression Under Load

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

First off, I want to say thank you all in BBM for your (free) advice and taking the time to answer our questions.

I am a 46yr old, chubby man (5’11", 258, 46" waist), 3.5 months into NLP (currently: 320 squat, 370 deadlift, 210 bench, 149 press). I have a history of three bulging discs at my L3-4, L4-5, L5-S1 with off and on bouts of pain, including bilateral LE radiculopathy 1-2x/year for about 10+ years now. Since I’ve begun NLP I’ve been asymptomatic and back feels “looser” than ever. My question is: ever since I hit the 300’s in my squat I (obviously) feel more compression than ever, and have a fear in the back of my mind that as I get stronger and load heavier weights on my shoulders I’ll either aggravate, or further damage my bulging discs. Is this something I should worry about? Or am I being paranoid?

2

I wouldn’t worry about it. Getting stronger is going to make your back stronger.

3

Thanks for the reply!

4

  1. Statistically, 2 of your 3 disk herniations has reabsorbed anyway: Incidence of Spontaneous Resorption of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Meta-Analysis - PubMed

  2. Worrying about your currently asymptomatic back because you have a history of bulging disks isn’t a helpful approach: https://startingstrength.com/article/aches-and-pains

Instead, keep getting stronger and fortify yourself (and your mind).

5

Thank you for the extra info and links you posted. Will definitely keep on getting strong as it feels great!