Need Help with lifting and Curved Sacrum

[Jason]

Here's the predicament I am in.

I have experienced a little back pain on and off for the past couple of years. Last summer I went to see a chiropractor, he adjusted me several times, and I felt great. I neglected to do the stretches that he recommended to me, and the past couple of weeks have resulted in my back giving me some discomfort again.

I went to another chiropractor (because I moved) last week. The X-rays showed that my sacrum is curved to the right, and this condition is putting pressure on the bottom disc, I think between L-5 and L-4. The chiropractor told me he can straighten the sacrum out, but I should never do squats.

Telling me not to do squats is like telling a runner not to run. I love training big lifts (i.e. squats, deadlifts, bench rows, chins, cleans, etc.) I also love training heavy in a "Westside" style. The chiro. told me that squats put too much pressure on my spine, causing the disc to wear easily. He said my disc is 75% where it should be.

Is he right in that, with my condition, I shouldn’t be doing squats, especially heavy squats? If so, what exercises can I do (meaning heavy compound lifts)? Should I be seeing another doctor, or is a chiro. sufficient? Also, this chiro. lost all fitness credibility with me when he told me to train for strength by doing a lot of reps. I really want to continue training the way I love, so can someone please offer me some educated advice. Thank you so much in advance.

Jason

[tossedup]

Hey man I have a lot of back problems so I can relate. If you want to know the spefics check out a post called "Bill question about an article you wrote for MF" on this fourm. I still lift heavy but do front, split, and hack squats instead of back squats which place the bar on your shoulder which in turn places pressure on your spine. Good luck hope you feel better soon.