My Lower Back

[Squatter]

Got some really bad news Wednesday regarding my lower back injury that I wanted to share with you all. I thought it would be best to just do a video rather than a write up.

I sort of feel like I have lost a loved one.

MyLowerBack - YouTube

MyLowerBack - YouTube

[BigJosh]

It's late and I'm at a loss for words. But I do just want to say to hang in there man. People are wishing you the best. Don't give up man. Keep your head held high. You truly are a fighter.

[Hunterace]

I will continue to pray for you Super Jim! You've been an inspiration to me and I know many others.
Finding the right thing to say is rough, but I will do my best.
As someone that lives with chronic pain, if there had been a way to avoid mine I believe I would have taken it. Beyond being told(before I had my son) that if I were to have a kid my head would be like this, that's the only thing I would have risked it for. So I guess there's something for everyone that's worth a chance. I'm not saying go for it. Talk to your wife and family a see what they think. Because beyond this affecting you, they will be affected also. If they are behind you and you want it, go get it! If not become a bench master! Ultimately you'll be the one to decide, possibly the wife, but no matter what I will be here for you my friend!

[IrishHitman]

Jim, I wish I knew what to say. Stay strong, man, and keep your head up. We're all here for you.

[Off Road]

PM sent

[Cutty]

I'm new to the forum and I haven't had the opportunity to meet you but I wanted to say that you always have us to talk to and I will be thinking about you man.

Stay strong.

[I WILL]

Jim, I know i have never spoken to you either, but hang in there! I have to say you have the best attitute! And staying positive is half the battle!! I know everyone on this forum is very caring and supportive and you will come out strong no matter what you end up choosing!

[LtL]

What would pulling 500lbs give you that continuing to lift would not give you? By the sound of it you could shorten your overall lifting career by continuing to load that lower back. You are not the only powerlifter who has had back issues. Look at Vinnie Dizenzo. He is a bench only competitor because he ruptured two lumbar discs:

Vincent Dizenzo - Powerlifter/Bench Press Specialist

His bench at that time was his weakest lift. He dedicated himself to it and has now benched 600lbs in two weightclasses and is working towards his third.

I guess what I'm saying is take emotion out of this and think sensibly. I have no doubt that you will get more out of continuing to lift and compete in bench only and saving light work for lower body stuff. Maybe get into a shirt, single ply, double ply, multi ply. Look into it. Benching 500 is way more impressive than pulling it anyways

[EliteDreams]

Jim,I paused that video at least 4 times to wipe my eyes. Ever since I came on your log on the other site you've impressed me. No BS just got work done. Over the last several months you've done two high energy meets and expressed so much work ethic. And with your family,the crew,JB and the rest of us,you will always have supporters.

From the tiny bit I've seen so far,I know,we all know that powerlifting is family.And right now you have a hellish decision. Al has an excellent point. Yet your close to pulling 500. Just like Jay said, ultimately with your familys help the right decision will be made. Whatever you decide were behind you all the way. I know I'm preaching to the choir,Isiah 35 speaks of a time when the eyes of the blind open and the lame climb up.

Not that I'm saying your lame! I guess what I took the long way of getting to is,we don't want you messed up buddy! My mother has some sort of unknown back pain (won't go to the doctor) and some days she stays in bed its so bad. Like you said,its a major decision risking the 500 or wondering "what if?" Sorry if I was long winded.

I know you've seen it,here's a website that goes over treatment for arthritic facet joints. Basically saying either anisthetic or pro hormone shots,but are a short term relief at best. Also mentions fusing (I think) the two lowest vertebrae. I don't know about deadlifting or squatting with that?

Lumbar Facet Joint Arthritis | eorthopod.com

All the best,
Ben

[BendtheBar]

Jim,

You are an asset to the lifting community. You have always went out of your way to help, and never asked a thing out of anyone.

First and foremost I just want to encourage you to remain active in a manner that is healthy to you, both physically and mentally. If you can only bench, then bench. You have made great progress this past year on that lift, and I see very good things for you in the future.

No matter what you do, even if you turn full bodybuilder on us, we're going to back you 2000%. You are one of the best damn guys I know.