If you deadlift correctly, you should never feel pain in your lower back. The erector spinae will experience tension when performing deadlifts, but there should never be compression or intense discomfort. If you find the conventional deadlift hurts your back, there are multiple deadlift variations to try out. The trap bar deadlift is easier on the spine than the conventional deadlift as it requires less of a forward lean and allows the torso to maintain an upright position, reducing shear forces and stress on the lower back. The sumo deadlift also reduces strain on the low back by allowing the torso to remain upright. The sumo deadlift uses a wider stance which can shorten the range of motion required to lock out the deadlift.  The Romanian deadlift emphasizes hip hinging and involves less knee flexion. This deadlift exercise can reduce low back pain as it has a shorter range of motion, making it easier for some lifters to perform with a neutral spine. The stiff leg deadlift is similar to the Romanian deadlift in that it emphasizes the hip hinge and minimizes the activation of the knee extensors. Both deadlift variations are effective at targeting the posterior chain. Whereas the Romanian deadlift is done with a soft but generous bend in the knees and has a shortened range of motion, the stiff leg deadlift involves only a slight bend in the knee.