Adding Cleans to Workout Routine

I’ve battled back issues on and off for 20 years.

I do power cleans once or twice a week. Love them.

Start light and work on form. Slowly go up in weight.

What are the exact problems you were having with your back? If it wasn't a full on spinal injury there are things you can do to address this through lifting.

There may be imbalances you can directly address because all of it is connected. For instance I have minor anterior pelvic tilt that I am working on. This hurts my lower back because your hip flexors pull on your lower back along with the glutes being under activated, putting even more strain on the back. Having sore glutes will also make your back hurt ;).

Or say you have weak abdominals or do not get the correct tension in your body while squatting. This places more of the load on your back. Maybe you have a long torso and you need to adjust form because youre bent over too far. etc etc etc

There's a ton of things that could be going on. First step I suggest is getting a proper 4" lifting belt(Not for cleans, either 10mm leather single prong or a Spud 3 ply deadlifting belt) and use it. No a belt will not prevent injuries, but it will help you stay tight, particularly in the midsection. I guarantee you'll feel better squatting and deadlifting. And no it doesn't matter if you're squatting 135 or 435.

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Yoga will help keep your core "tight" during the movement

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I may be ignorant but I'll wager it's not the same type of tightness. Not knocking out at all, just pointing out differences.

Yeah I'll slowly begin to add weight after a few weeks of relearning technique. Most weight I've ever done for PC is 225, and even at that weight I saw the damage that comes if you miss a rep and your form goes to shite trying to overcorrect.
I've never been one to use a belt or wrist stabilizers, but I might have to later on when the weight gets to be too heavy. Would y'all recommend getting that stuff now to get use to the feel instead of waiting till down he road when it becomes more of an issue?

You really need to work on bracing. A belt needs to be added when you absolutely need it.

I'm of the opinion that it's never too early to add a belt, unless you're just learning a lift since you already know you have lower back issues. So in this case you can wait, but you don't need to wait until the weight gets heavy. Once the weight is heavy enough for it to be considered a workout is a good time.

Really the answer is, there is no right or wrong answer. Especially if you're not an athlete.

It’s more of a mental thing with me. I’m hoping it’s just a cue to breathe right and brace before the lift.

I’ve always had back issues. Ive pulled my back getting groceries out of the car.

It’s just something I’m going to try.

It sounds more like a form thing then a bracing thing.

Or can you pinpoint where in th lift you were injured? Was it a full squat clean?

It’s everything. My back is just where if I’m the slightest bit off it will tweak. Like I said, it can happen with me just bending over.

I just need to focus on getting stronger in my posterior chain. It’s weak.

Part of me wonders if working out in the morning is part of the problem. It takes awhile for me to get warmed up and I’m generally super stiff in the mornings.