I don't think you should forget about doing squats and deads, after all, they are 2 of the best mass building lifts out there, if not the best period.
I twisted a vertebra in my lower spine a while back and now to protect it I've altered my training habits a little to make sure it stays healthy. For example, I prefer squatting every leg day, but now every 3rd w/o I'll leave squats out and rely on other lifts...when I say I leave them out I'm referring to standard squats, I'll typically throw in front squats after some heavy leg press on this day.
As for deads I don't do these off the floor as often as I used to but now do them off the rack...I usually only do them off the floor once per month.
Doing things this way my lower back has remained in tact and I've still continued to grow and progress. So as long as this continues to work and I'm injury free I'll stick to this.
BTW I also wear a belt on most of my squat and dead lifts...I used to never wear one but I do so now as a precaution. I honestly do not know if this really helps that much or not and I've read reviews promoting both ways, but if you've ever had a back problem and don't want to give up lifting you'll do anything to make sure it stays healthy.