Back injury and training legs

[jarvis]

Hi,

In Feb 2009 I injured my back squatting heavy - 250kg, i'm talking "proper" deep squats in good form (I have always been able to squat heavy with no problem for over 20 years - to the point where i could squat 300kg for 6 reps at 15.5 stone). In the summer of that year I was diagnosed with a prolapsed disc in my lumbar spine (I was in excruciating pain with sciatica (caused by the prolapsed disc) ... even morphine wouldn't touch the pain).

After a total break from legs for several months, I eased back into it gently (and lightly) gradually making progress where I could comfortably squat 200kg for 6-8 reps. However anything over 200kg results in severe back pain/spasm (without sciatica), this makes me stiff and sore for weeks.

Over the years, after trying various training methods i've discovered that my legs only seem to respond to heavy squatting at the beginning of the workout, followed by repping exercises to finish off.

Reaching the age of 41 i'm sure any of you out there my age or older can appreciate how difficult it is to push yourself to do heavy leg workouts... let alone cause yourself pain.

I don't wanna be one of those top heavy bodybuilders, walking around on toothpick legs

Does anyone have any suggestions for routines for someone like me?

Has anyone else had similar problems?

Thanks

Jarvis

 

[barnzy7]

The only Thing I could think of is stay within your comfort range as far as pain and maybe try to hit legs 2 or 3 times a week, higher reps.

 

[jarvis]

The only Thing I could think of is stay within your comfort range as far as pain and maybe try to hit legs 2 or 3 times a week, higher reps.

Hi Bud,

Thanks for your reply... sorry haven't got back sooner been away for a few weeks and this is the first chance i've had to look at this.

I'll take your advice on board and give it a go.. see what happens!

I'm little disappointed that i've only received one reply... was hoping for a few more ideas..

Thanks anyway