Alternative to deadlift?

[blu_kfs]

First I must say that I am not just looking for an easy way out of doing deadlifts. I just have problems with my wrists that cause me some serious pain whenever I deadlift over 250 lbs. I have had carpal tunnel release surgery on my right hand and the doctors say that it is probably a matter of time until I need it on my left.

I tried using straps once but they seemed to just transfer the pain further up into my forearms.

Should I just lower the load a little bit and do more reps? That is what I have been doing. I have done weighted back extensions but after a couple days of doing those my back starts hurting pretty bad. I don't mean a good sore muscle pain, but pain right at the bottom of my spine that sometimes is so bad I can barely walk.

Thanks, in advance, for any help.