I was hoping you could help me out. During a football game I sustained an injury to my lower back. I went to the doctor and he took all types of tests and they showed no damage. That's great, but the problem is that I can't train without experiencing pain. I was wondering if you had any suggestions. Thanks. - Joe Concepola, Franklin, Kentucky
Sorry to hear about the injury, I had a lower back problem a couple of years ago and it just took time to heal. I am not a doctor but I could tell you what I did. I took two weeks off from the gym. When I got back to the gym I did a four day a week training routine, two days on, one day off, two days on, two days off. This routine allows the body enough time to recuperate. Now, as far as training, I didn't do exercises that aggravated my lower back. Don't do deadlifts, barbell squats, or bent rows. I replaced these exercises with different movements. For example, instead of doing barbell rows, I did machine rows where my chest was against the pad and there was no stress on my lower back Another example is to do seated dumbbell curls instead of standing barbell curls. What I am trying to say is be smart and work around the area for a while, heal up and then slowly start training as you normally do. I know it is frustrating but you're human. Unfortunately we all get hurt at some point in time, but don't let it get you down. Before you know it you will be as strong as ever. Good luck and stay positive.
I was hoping you could help me out. During a football game I sustained an injury to my lower back. I went to the doctor and he took all types of tests and they showed no damage. That's great, but the problem is that I can't train without experiencing pain. I was wondering if you had any suggestions. Thanks. - Joe Concepola, Franklin, Kentucky
Sorry to hear about the injury, I had a lower back problem a couple of years ago and it just took time to heal. I am not a doctor but I could tell you what I did. I took two weeks off from the gym. When I got back to the gym I did a four day a week training routine, two days on, one day off, two days on, two days off. This routine allows the body enough time to recuperate. Now, as far as training, I didn't do exercises that aggravated my lower back. Don't do deadlifts, barbell squats, or bent rows. I replaced these exercises with different movements. For example, instead of doing barbell rows, I did machine rows where my chest was against the pad and there was no stress on my lower back Another example is to do seated dumbbell curls instead of standing barbell curls. What I am trying to say is be smart and work around the area for a while, heal up and then slowly start training as you normally do. I know it is frustrating but you're human. Unfortunately we all get hurt at some point in time, but don't let it get you down. Before you know it you will be as strong as ever. Good luck and stay positive.