Squats and neck problem

[jnuts]

I currently have a pair of herniated discs in my neck from an auto accident.

When I try to do squats I worry about the effects on the herniated discs. I have had problems before with the squats aggravating the discs. I'd like to do squats again, but don't know of any way to do it that won't aggravate those damn dics.

Any ideas?

[WODIN]

1. Try the Mantis out and see if it alleviates some of the pressure.
2. Use the smith rack
3. Make sure you position the bar on your lower trap area.

[jnuts]

Has anybody used a Mantis? Does it help distribute the weight better?

I use a set of weights/equipment in my garage, so I'd have to buy one to use one.

[Worrow9187badass]

When I do squats I sit the bar way low on my traps.. I don't feel it in my neck at all. Some people seem to sit it high on the traps and it looks like its pressing right into the next where it bends.

[HANSEL]

What about front squats or zerchers?

[Stryder364]

Originally posted by WODIN
1. Try the Mantis out and see if it alleviates some of the pressure.


You mean the Manta Ray?

[WODIN]

Yeah Stryder.....

I've used it a couple of times just for something to play with. It does provide support, especially if you tend to roll the bar too far up on your shoulders.

[b fold the truth]

You can always try front squats or zerchers. I take the bar fairly low on my back (across my rear delts) and put icy hot on my neck before I do them.

B True

[jnuts]

Is a front squat a zercher? I've never heard of a zercher.

[b fold the truth]

Originally posted by jnuts
Is a front squat a zercher? I've never heard of a zercher.

Zerchers are where you hold the bar in front of you in the crooks of your arms. About mid abdomen level..

B True

[jnuts]

Well, I just learned something new. I've never seen a zercher performed.

Thanks B fold

[Susan]

I used to have this problem, and I alleviated it by building a nice set of rear delts to rest the bar on. I also grip the bar at the plates, which leaves my neck in a neutral position not even touched by the bar.

I would NOT recommend carrying the bar on your lower traps, as your lower traps are located in the middle-bottom part of the back about where your ribs STOP. Carrying the bar lower may help though.

I have a manta ray, and don't really care much for it. The position is too awkward for me, and I feel like I've learned to work around the issue better with my own methods. Plus my own methods work anywhere, especially in competition.

Zercher front squats are a staple in my routine, as they help my deadlift enormously.

[jnuts]

Originally posted by S P A T T S
I also grip the bar at the plates, which leaves my neck in a neutral position not even touched by the bar.


I'm having trouble visualizing what you mean by this.

[Susan]

Sure, let me explain it this way. If you get set up under the bar, and grip the bar as wide as legally possible, the outside sides of your hands would be against the collars and/or plates.

http://www.asylum-strength.com/videos/spat-ssquat.mpg

In this vid, I can't get my hands all the way to the plates because there are bands in the way. Normally, I would just put my palms flat against the plates, but that's not allowed in competition, so I put them as close as I can, while sitll on the bar.

Then, my traps are squeezed SUPER SUPER tight together BEFORE I get under the bar...so the traps rise, and you set the bar on your traps and delts, and it never actually comes into contact with the bones.

Here's Hannibal doing it. He does it the same way:

http://www.asylum-strength.com/videos/han-ssquat.mpg

[jnuts]

Pics and vids are worth a thousand words. Thanks.

[Susan]

You will also find similar technique information in the "Squat Theory and Execution" thread in the powerlifting forum.

...You're welcome. :)

[Stryder364]

Originally posted by WODIN
Yeah Stryder.....

I've used it a couple of times just for something to play with. It does provide support, especially if you tend to roll the bar too far up on your shoulders.

My little brother uses it from time to time. It's a good training tool.

[b fold the truth]

Originally posted by jnuts
Pics and vids are worth a thousand words. Thanks.

I LOVE watching that woman squat...

B True

[WODIN]

Originally posted by b fold the truth
I LOVE watching that woman squat...

B True

True. Thanks for the Vid Spatts.

I go with a wide grip but tend to roll my arms down a bit.