Hurt my back doing deadlifts

[pupeye]

I was doing 3 sets of 3 and during my second set I had to put the bar down. It just hurt like hell to lift it. I didn't feel anything pull or twist or anything unusual, the weight just seemd to heavy for me. It was only ten pounds more than what I pulled last week. I could barley unload the bar and rack the weights, I had to end my workout there. It hurts like hell to bend over, I can't even put my pants or shoes on. Ive been lying around the house for the past two days putting a heating pad on it and massaging it.

I'm hoping this is only a temporary setback and I will feel better by the end of next week. I will be focusing on cardio for the next week or two with some machine work thrown in as my lifting.

Do you think I will be screwed from this or should I be fine soon? I love doing my squats and deadlifts and can't imagine not doing them. I just bought a box of chalk to use so I can throw my straps away. I must say the chalk actually is much much more useful than straps!

What should i do to help my back heal? Will I be able to squat and deadlift again? I certainly will be very hesitant to go heavy on those in fear of hurting myself again.

Any advice, comments or feedback appreciated.

[hendrixsolo]

try stretching before you lift. are you flexable enough to tough your palms to the floor? get to that point and injury will be less likely.

listen to your body and don't mess with any weights until your back says it's okay. if it doesn't get better in a week, go to the doc. herneated disc would suck.

[Girth]

How's your form? I have no idea how advanced you are, but might as well start with the basics to prevent this from happening again.

[pupeye]

Over a week later and it's feeling a little better. The Doc wasn't much help, all he said was to ice it instead of heat. I have to wait and see how it feels a couple more days and then call him again. I think it'll be alright. I'll just keep resting for another week.

My form is usually great, as far as i know. Never had anyone watch me though to tell me. Back straight, head up, shoulders back. I'm thinking because I was going heavy, that I may have rounded my back a little.