Pain when doing leg exercises

[missdancerxx]

I have been going to the gym for about 20 years and one thing which has often come up is a pain in my lower back, right down at the base of the spine whenever I do leg exercises.

Things like squats, leg press, leg extensions etc are the culprits. Usually we do 3 sets of 10 repetitions but sometimes I get to 7 or 8 and cannot continue it. My legs can take more but the pain is too much in my back.

If I pause for a few seconds it subsides and I can continue for a few more reps. It's almost like a build up of something which gets to a point of pain. Strange.

In general my back is strong and specific back exercises don't bring this pain.

Any thoughts from you lovely back experts?

 

[WebSystemsGeraldine]

Only speaking on a personal level I'm no expert but could it be that your'e got a trapped nerve ?


Cis

 

[opgvfpbc]

Thanks Cis, I think trapped nerves go after a while and I have only had this whilst doing leg exercises so I don't think it is. Also I have had this for years.

 

[youtmusica]

Hi Caveman,

I'm no back expert, but I do train regularly and I'm past a certain age. I think the clue is in the length of time that you've been going to the gym, and there's nothing wrong with that.

But one thing we don't notice is how much easier it is cause injury as we get older. So over 40 we need to spend longer or be more efficient in warming up. Therefore if your warm up routine is little changed over the years, it might be worth having a look at it.

If it's not that, I'm sure one of the sports therapists will be able to finger it.

Myarka.

 

[ERIN R]

Hi Myarka

Not quite 40 yet thankfully

I warm up for 5mins on the rower and then tend to do the leg work after an hour working the top half of the body so it's probably not a warm-up issue.

Thanks anyway x

 

[tigerpawna]

The culprits are usually short hamstrings which afffect pelvic tilt and therefore the intervertebral angle, or Psoas which is a direct link from lumbar spine to femur, I suspect your technique and or posture need addressing rather than a change of exercise, will check back later as uni all day
regards
BGFL

 

[Dypelulty]

Hi there

I agree with biggazfromlincoln - posture and technique should be carefully monitored by sports therapist/trainer at the gym. Rowing wrongly can put huge strain on lower back muscles so might not be the ideal warm up for you.

 

[SEMI-R3TARD3D WHITE KIDD]

You don't appear to be carrying out enough pre exercise stretching and spinal twisting elements in your warm up procedure and rowing as a warm up execise is known to aggrevate cold or cool muscles. I would suggest that you find a reputable Osteopath or other similar muscle manipulating therapists (there loads of posters here who can help) who will be able to show you how to gently stretch and release your 'core muscles' as well as your major muscle groups safely. As we get old this becomes critical!

Good luck

SPINELF

 

[Pompal 09.]

Thanks everyone, I think I'll have a word with my wife who is a yoga teacher and see if she can give me some specific stretches to do before the rowing warm up - or as an alternative.