Working legs around chronic back pain?

[BossRoss182]

Yo everyone, been struggling lately with my leg gains.

I have a few chronic back conditions, which have required surgeries, treatments, etc. This has made squats, deadlifts, etc unbearable to perform. I really hate it, because I gain decent size, but I still look like "that guy" who doesn't train legs. (I get that a whole lot). Any advice on what kind of exercises I can do to get around this and start adding some strength on my legs again??

Thanks all,

 

[NattyForLife]

Yo everyone, been struggling lately with my leg gains. I have a few chronic back conditions, which have required surgeries, treatments, etc. This has made squats, deadlifts, etc unbearable to perform. I really hate it, because I gain decent size, but I still look like "that guy" who doesn't train legs. (I get that a whole lot). Any advice on what kind of exercises I can do to get around this and start adding some strength on my legs again?? Thanks all,

Leg press

 

[BossRoss182]

Thats kinda another thing that puts a lot of pressure on my spine. What about like bike riding? I'm sure that can help, just don't wanna get too much cardio.

 

[NattyForLife]

Thats kinda another thing that puts a lot of pressure on my spine. What about like bike riding? I'm sure that can help, just don't wanna get too much cardio.

If bike riding resistance best be high as heck.

 

[RecompMan]

Yo everyone, been struggling lately with my leg gains.

I have a few chronic back conditions, which have required surgeries, treatments, etc. This has made squats, deadlifts, etc unbearable to perform. I really hate it, because I gain decent size, but I still look like "that guy" who doesn't train legs. (I get that a whole lot). Any advice on what kind of exercises I can do to get around this and start adding some strength on my legs again??

Thanks all,

Don't do anything weight bearing on the back, try occlusion training and hit up
dsade nerve restore by evomuse

 

[CincyKiller45]

Heavy ass sled drags FTW.

Try; goblet squats, lunges, Bulgarian split squat w/ DB's.

Ieg extensions/curls shouldn't hurt either.

 

[NattyForLife]

Don't do anything weight bearing on the back, try occlusion training and hit up dsade nerve restore by evomuse

What is your thought on that supplement Ebf?

 

[RecompMan]

What is your thought on that supplement Ebf?

On nerve restore? I ****ing love it. It's awesome.

I get a killer mind muscle connection. And definitely feel like I recruit more fibers when training.

 

[BLaQz]

Heavy ass sled drags FTW.

Try; goblet squats, lunges, Bulgarian split squat w/ DB's.

Hex/Trap Bar work, if you're able to hold heavy DB's...

 

[trn450]

Leg press

I personally have chronic back pain, and leg press is probably the worst for me. It's either 2" presses, or that lumbar spine rolls up and you end up in pain.

My solution is just to keep the weight light and use a wide stance where I can keep my spine as erect as possible when I can do squats/deads. That, and just focus on leg extensions and curls. It's not great, but at least there is something there :/

 

[killandgo]

As Cinci said, heavy sled or Prowler, just make certain to keep your back in a neutral position. Hip-belt squats would work. A MacGyver version of this exercise can be done with a dip belt and the low attachment of a cable. Then step back so you get a full range of motion and the stack doesn't hit the bottom. Helps to have something to hang onto to help with balance. The hip belt can be used while standing on blocks, but I wouldn't advise it without someone to help you. Getting set up is a bitch. Plus, balancing on the blocks can be tricky. Also, as Cinci mentioned, try leg exercises with DBs, perhaps step-ups to a low box/block. A few bumpers would probably be good enough, as a high block would stress the back.
GHR and reverse hypers or variations thereof, would help with rehab, too. Most importantly, work on any rehab stretches/traction/inversion/mobility exercises everyday as I'm currently doing. I ruptured a disc between L4/5 and won't see the inside of a gym for many months. Doing the exercises as prescribed has already lessened the pain significantly.

 

[bdcc]

I would see a specialist who can assess you and design you a programme based on your injury history.

Client A can do a leg press without back pain. Client B finds the leg press makes it feel much worse.

This is why you shouldn't take advice about injuries from the internet.

Good luck.

 

[RecompMan]

I would see a specialist who can assess you and design you a programme based on your injury history.

Client A can do a leg press without back pain. Client B finds the leg press makes it feel much worse.

This is why you shouldn't take advice about injuries from the internet.

Good luck.

I agree here

Look for mckenzie certified PTs

 

[KrisL]

Hip belt squats would let you squat some weight without loading up the spine.
If you're willing to do boring cardio to grow legs, why not air squats? Dudes have grown enormous legs without a squat rack using hundreds of squats a day.
Lunges don't need to be heavy to be effective, either. Step-ups, box jumps if your back can handle jumping.

 

[bakerwil]

Bodyweight Ball squats with static holds at the bottom. I swear by these. My legs are as big as they were back in the day squatting many plates.

 

[David147]

Your back pain is caused by pinched muscles in your back. I used to have it where I would do something heavy and about 2 hours later I would be hit with my headache caused by them. To get rid of the pain causing that to happen and to keep it from happening again you have to free up the muscles in your back and here's how to do that:
Back:
(do from a sitting position)
Place your left hand on your left leg next to your body. Place your right hand over your left shoulder, fingers over the back and the palm in the front and firmly pull down on them and hold. After 30 seconds slowly lower your body forward and to the outside of your left leg, keeping your left arm fairly straight as you do. When you reach your lap remain there for another 10 seconds, release the pressure but rest there for another 30 seconds. Then reverse your hand positions and do your right side.
For best results relax your body first by taking a deep breath and exhaling then remain this relaxed.