Back bruise from barbell squats?

[Catew]

I'm a recent Cathe convert, moving on from being a Firmie. I'm finding that I have a sort of bruise (can't see it, but I feel it) on my upper back from doing squats with the loaded barbell. I actually have the Firm padded Ivanko barbell (picture a bar wrapped in foam insulation) so I don't understand why I have this bruise-ish thing.

Is it something that passes with time? Am I just being a wuss? Is there something I can do formwise to fix this? I am putting it on the fleshie part of my upper back/shoulder (although there isn't much padding there). Ouch. I'm not a nurse, but this is c5, maybe c6 where I'm feeling it.

242/151/135

 

[smg1]

Hi
I also had a problem with my barbell. For squats and lunges I have switched to hand weights. I lost my balance with my barbell and fell and hurt my back and neck. I was doing step ups from pyramid lower body. I feel more steady with hand weights and I use 12's 15's and 20's. I only use a barbell for deadlifts and bicep work.
You may find that when you are holding your barbell you my be pressing it down on your neck and not realizing it. Be safe and listen to your body. Susan

 

[pace1987]

I get this once in a while when I haven't use the barbell on my neck. If I do it once a week then it won't come back. I think you have to get use to it. Just think when i first go on a bike after weeks of not riding it boy does my behind feel bruise the next dayx(

 

[CathydsRNA]

This happened to me when I before I got a squat rack. I was lifting onto my back more than I could safely lift (greater than 50lbs)and not gently placing it on my back. A squat rack and padded bar helps.

 

[Carol_is_fit]

I am an RN, and if you really are feeling this pain around C5-C6, then you are most likely pressing down with the barbell on your neck and not realizing it. You might want to try holding it a bit lower than it "feels" like you should so that it sits across the upper part of your shoulder blades and see if that helps. I know when I put more than 50 pounds on mine - no matter where I hold it - it hurts after a while. I alternate between using dumbells and using the barbell for some of the workouts. I know a few people on here have posted they use weighted vests and other things like that to help increase the weight without putting more on the barbell or picking up heavier dumbells. It certainly is a challenge lifting at home at times, isn't it? I hope you find a solution that works for you, and I hope this information helps!

Carol

 

[Catew]

Just wanted to follow up -- I did MIS today, and I was very careful to put the bar lower than I normally do, and I also put more thought into holding it up more than just letting it rest. And I don't really have the bruise tonight!

Thanks all! Now to deal with the plantar fasciitis I have going on. Grrrrr.


242/151/135