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Common Squat Mistakes That Aggravate Lower Back Pain and How to Fix Them

  • July 14, 2025
  • Renae Wood

Think squatting is off-limits because of your back pain? Think again.

Squats are part of everyday life, from getting off the couch to picking up your groceries. But for people dealing with lower back pain, even thinking about squats can trigger anxiety (and maybe a few sharp reminders).

Here’s the thing: the issue isn’t squatting itself – it’s how you’re squatting.

Let’s break down the most common squat mistakes we see in the clinic and in the gym and how small tweaks can make a massive difference to your back and overall confidence under the bar.

1. Keeping the Chest Too Upright

The mistake: Staying too upright or even leaning back slightly during your squat.

Why it matters: When your chest doesn’t come forward enough, your pelvis can tilt awkwardly, forcing the lower back to take on more load. That stiff, locked-up feeling? That’s your spine trying to do a job it shouldn’t be doing.

Quick fix: As you lower into the squat, let your chest come forward slightly while keeping it tall. This helps your hips shift back, your knees bend naturally, and your spine stay supported. Don’t over-arch your back to do this think “relaxed but ready.” Chest forward, spine neutral, hips loaded.

2. Ignoring Your Body’s Natural Squat Style

The mistake: Forcing yourself into a “textbook squat” that doesn’t suit your build.

Why it matters: We all move differently. Someone with long legs and a short torso won’t squat like someone built the other way around. Trying to squat like someone else can jam up your lower back.

Quick fix: Play with your stance. Wider feet? Toes out slightly? Lower the bar on your back? Yes, yes, and yes  depending on your proportions. Find the stance where your hips move freely and your back stays supported. Don’t chase depth  chase control and comfort.

3. Forgetting to Brace the Core

The mistake: Dropping into a squat without switching your core “on.”

Why it matters: A switched-off core = a wobbly spine. That means your lower back ends up doing the heavy lifting (literally), especially at the bottom of the squat.

Quick fix: Before you squat, take a breath and brace like someone’s about to poke you in the belly. You don’t need to crunch just create internal tension through your core, obliques and even glutes. Breathe with intent and stay braced through the whole rep.

4. Letting Knees Collapse or Feet Shift

The mistake: Knees caving in, feet peeling off the ground.

Why it matters: Poor alignment at the bottom means poor loading through your whole chain  especially your hips and spine. If your knees dive in, your back’s going to feel the difference.

Quick fix: Track your knees over your toes  every rep, every time. Keep your feet grounded: heels, balls of the feet, and even your toes should feel like they’re glued to the floor. Stable base = happy back.

5. Chasing Depth Over Control

The mistake: Going as low as possible at all costs.

Why it matters: Going too deep without maintaining tension and control can turn your spine into a noodle and not the good kind. If you lose stability at the bottom, your lower back is going to cop it.

Quick fix: Squat to the depth where you can still maintain control and core tension even if that’s not “ass to grass.” Depth will improve over time with smart training and the right mobility work. Don’t force it.

Bottom Line: Your Back Doesn’t Hate Squats, It Hates Bad Squats

Everyone’s squat will look different, and that’s exactly how it should be. With a few adjustments and a focus on form over ego, you can squat strong, even with a history of back pain.

Need Help Squatting Without Pain?

The team at Fighting Fit Physiotherapy is here to get you lifting with confidence. Whether you’re chasing PBs or just want to move without fear, we’ll help you dial in your technique and build bulletproof movement patterns.

 Book an assessment today and let’s get you moving pain-free.

Renae Wood

Renae joined our Exercise Physiology team in 2021.

Having a long history in the health and fitness industry as well as growing up around all things exercise (her mum is also an Exercise Physiologist) this career runs in her blood.

Renae has a love of both strength and conditioning as well as pilates to help people over come injury, pain or health concerns.

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At Fighting Fit Physiotherapy, we recognise the impacts that pain and dysfunction can have on one’s personal and professional life. We are committed as primary healthcare professionals to help our clients resume their lifelong pursuit of health and well-being.

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