Low Back Torque in the Deadlift

The deadlift is considered to be the least technical lift in powerlifting. While it may require the least amount of skill to learn, this lift is possibly the greatest measure of overall brute strength. Because the weight is picked up directly from the floor, a great deal of force is placed on the lower back, presenting a significant opportunity for injury. In order to reduce this risk, technique with a neutral spine is practiced in order to reduce the torque on the small lower back muscles. 

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Shown is a visual demonstration of the forces placed on the lower spine during the deadlift. This and the following images are taken from a study at Simon Fraser University, in which spinal compression was measured in subjects performing the deadlift. A comparison was made between subjects using good and poor form, specifically a neutral and rounded spine, respectively. 

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This is a visual example of good and poor form in the deadlift. The first subject is performing the lift properly with a neutral lower spine. The second subject has a rounded spine, increasing torque on the lower back and in turn the chance of injury. 

In the study, compression and shear values were measured at the L4 and L5 vertebrae. The forces shown in this diagram confirm that performing the deadlift with a neutral spine decreases the force on the lower back and by transferring these forces to larger muscle groups, increases the safety and efficiency of the lift.