[Jayce Oksiuta]

Hiya Jayce, I’m interested to hear your response to the above with some detail on what you experience when you have a flare up. Have you found that these flare ups are after doing certain movements?

It’s been hard to pinpoint the cause of flare ups. They are pretty random. I’ve noticed barbell back squats are a big trigger and I’ve been avoiding them. Earlier today it was aggravated whilst I was stretching. It can be pretty unpredictable sometimes.

[Jayce Oksiuta]

It’s really hard for us to advise here.. by flare ups what exactly do you mean? Have you been back to the drs/ hospital was there a follow up?

I’m looking to get some updated scans, waiting on Drs approval

[Jayce Oksiuta]

What are the goals of your training?

Do you need to include trap bar deadlifts, RDLs, squats etc or could some machine based options get the desired training outcome.

I am not one to usually choose machines over free weight options but in this case there would be some better exercise choices if you have kit available Belt squats, leg presses, reverse hypers, open chain machines (leg curl and extension variations) would all be much lower risk options if you do not have a specific reason to need to use free weight movements

My goal is competitive powerlifting. I’m interested in bodybuilding as well, but getting my SBD as strong as possible is a major goal for me

[Jayce Oksiuta]

Hi mate, when you say “flare up” what is that exactly? Back pain, numbness in legs etc? How long do they normally last after onset?

Back pain, usually it is a more dull pain but it can be sharper at times. I haven’t had issues with numbness or sciatica in months. Sometimes it lasts just for the day, sometimes it is multiple days.