To deadlift or not to deadlift?

Deadlifts are a controversial movement in the world of exercise. Are they bad for your back or are they necessary to function in the world we live in? 

As a PT, I am a huge fan of deadlifts — as long as they are not painful, and form is not an issue. If they are painful, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. Deadlifting is one of the most functional movement patterns we do as humans. Every time you pick something up off of the ground, you are performing a deadlift. The keys you dropped, the laundry basket on the ground, the backpack leaning against the wall, the baby carrier, the diaper bag, the grocery bags off of the ground— all deadlifts— so it is important we maintain this movement pattern without pain. 

Additionally, if you are performing this movement pattern correctly, your glutes and hamstrings are the primary driver — not your spine—  though the muscles surrounding your lower back should also be contracting to stabilize your core to protect your spine. 

So, to be able to deadlift (or pick something up off of the ground) with good form and no pain is absolutely necessary for most humans to function in the world we live in. 

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