Thread: My back bump

OK. I am no Quazimodo but I have noticed recently that I have more than the usual lump on my spine right up where the squat bar sits. Below the base of the neck we all have one bit of the spine that is like a small lump or bump. Well mine seems to be growing into a bit of a big callous from all the barbell squats I have been doing. The skin also tends to be a bit "tore up" as I do not use a pad after finding that my squat form is much better without one.

So two questions.

1/ For you powerlifters and guys who actually do train by doing squats () is this something that normally happens over time? You know, like having torn up shins from deadlifts or an awsome set of traps and lats from doing more than bench press and curls. Sorry, starting to rant a bit there.

2/ Not being able to get at it too well myself, is there something that I can do or can someone else give it a rub with some pumic stone or do I just live with it?

How're you traps looking?

I found, after time, that as my traps built up and I bring my shoulders back nice and tight, and keep my chin nice and high, the bar doesnt touch my spine, as such. You could try bringing up your traps and shoulders as a focus so there's more natural padding there.

A lot of guys somewhat hunch over under the weight - how is your upper body form while squatting?

I have a similar callous in that area, probably made worse by the fact that I normally squat in a singlet, so its bar on skin.

It has never bothered me so I have never thought of trying to reduce it but I guess moisturising would be a good start.

BTW good to see that you don't use the pussy pad on the squat bar

Tim

Originally Posted by Mark

How're you traps looking?

I found, after time, that as my traps built up and I bring my shoulders back nice and tight, and keep my chin nice and high, the bar doesnt touch my spine, as such. You could try bringing up your traps and shoulders as a focus so there's more natural padding there.

A lot of guys somewhat hunch over under the weight - how is your upper body form while squatting?

I try to keep strict form, which kinda gets wobbly by the end of the session. I am tallish (189cm) so I have to watch that my chest does not fall forward so I do keep the chin up nice and high. Traps are OK I guess but of course I would like them much bigger. Working on that. Heavy shrugs and deadlifts help. I don't feel any abnormal pressure on the bone or spine where the bar sits which is why it has taken this long for me to realise there is a thickening there. I first noticed it when I kept getting the skin tore up from the bar.

I guess it is one of those things you just have to live with if you wanna be all swole an' ripped and shit.

Originally Posted by Big Tim

BTW good to see that you don't use the pussy pad on the squat bar

Tim

I dropped the pad after I had to use a bar without one once. Found that my form was much better. Amazing what just a cm or so can do to the balance of the whole squat.

I've never understood this "wobbly" or loss of balance when squatting heavy...

I mean, warming up with not much on the bar feels way more unstable than squatting with weight.

To the OP, when you look at bodybuilders from rear double bi, you will see some of then have a massive buldge exactly where you describe. I think it probably an individual thing thats caused by the bar rubbing.

I've never used the sissy pad, always squat in a singlet, and never had any sizeable marks on my back (that i know of).

A few years ago when i was just getting into them alot, i did notice some reddening around the area, but i either no longer pay attn, or it simply doesn't happen anymore.

Sounds like youhave the bar positioned rather high. Seems to be a common position with Body Builders. I position the bar quite low, as it is more comfortable. Makes it alot easier to hold more weight as it doesnt press down in that area you are talking about.