[allenkt]

Well I went in today for my EMG (nerve conduction study) and to go over the MRI. He said that the preliminary results from the EMG are that I have a pinched L5 but it is getting better because my symptoms are a lot less than they were a month ago. The MRI showed a slightly bulging S1 disc but that it wasn't showing up on the EMG so it didn't appear to be a serious problem at this point.

I asked him how it would affect me physically and whether or not I could still work out in the gym and squat. He said he didn't see any problem with me squatting, just to make sure I have good form and not to go too heavy for awhile (said to go higher reps and lower weight). I think I have pretty good form on my squats but I think I'll just keep it light for now and maybe I'll just do front squats for awhile instead. Not sure about deadlifts, I may just leave those out for now. In the mean time, I'm still not too excited about running again just yet (that's always aggravated my back) so I am staying on the stationary bike and swimming for cardio.

So my plan is to start Berardi's lean coaching program next month (which is why I was asking about restrictions in the first place) and substitute front squats for back squats and find an alternative for any deadlifts that come along.

Karl