Low-Back Pain doing Overhead Press

Question: When I do overhead presses my lower back feels uncomfortable.  It feels as if it’s overarched.  What can be done about this?

Answer: I bet your lower back IS overarched when you’re doing overhead presses.  Many people, myself included, have often felt the same thing.

The key is to avoid hyperextending (overarching) your back, specifically your lumbar spine.  To neutralize this hyperextension, keep your abs and glutes tight.  This rotates the pelvis posteriorly and flattens out the lumbar spine enough to take excess pressure off the vertebral column.

If you’re doing the overhead presses seated rather than standing, then you really just need to focus on the abdominal contraction.

Likewise, wear a good weight belt. Most find that powerlifting belts offer the best support.

Dr Clay