Runners-lower back pain/issues?

[liznboys]

Is it possible for running to cause lower back pain??

Last week I ran Monday and Tuesday, then on Wednesday afternoon my lower back started hurting. It was something that had happened before and went away within a day or two. I wasn't doing anything when it started, it just came on. So I figured it was just one of those random things again and didn't think much of it. I ran again on Thursday despite my back still hurting, maybe that was dumb, I don't know.

Well here I am today, 7 days later and it still hurts, maybe even moreso. I guess I should get to the Dr, which I hate to do. But I haven't run since last Thursday and that annoys me, plus it's just hard to do normal things around the house and with the kids right now because of it.

 

[Creativebeth]

I find weak abdominals lead me to have back pain, not running. Running may make it 'flare' up, but usually working my core helps.

Beth

 

[bunnyfoo]

Liz - Did you suddenly increase your mileage a lot? If you did, it could be a case of too much too soon. Also make sure your running shoes aren't too old. I tend to get muscle aches and pains when my are starting to wear out.

I agree with Beth. Core exercises can help with back pain. The reason is your core muscles hold you up and help to stabilize/balance your body. If they're weak or you're not using them, your back, knees upper body muscles will have to compensate and do that work. If the core work doesn't help, it could be that you have an existing back condition. It's best to get it looked it by a PT or doctor just to make sure.

 

[DianeL]

If I am not doing core exercises (like the last month or so) I start to notice it more. From simply sleeping on my stomach which as long as I am doing my core exercises I don't have a stiff lower back, don't do them and there it is, it comes in slowly after a few weeks of no sit ups & back exercises. I've been noticing it too after runs/walks again. Guess I need to work my own again

I'm hoping that is all it is with you and nothing serious. Good luck with your training and plenty of PD that it's just those core muscles wanting their own attention.

 

[liznboys]

I find weak abdominals lead me to have back pain, not running. Running may make it 'flare' up, but usually working my core helps.

Beth

Thanks Beth! I do have messed up abs. I have diastasis recti due to four pregnancies/c-sections (and "luck" I guess). The lower back pain I've had in the past I always attributed to that. But the pain I have now is a different kind of pain, only have had it since I started running. It makes sense what you say about the running possibly flaring it up, but not being the true cause.

Liz - Did you suddenly increase your mileage a lot? If you did, it could be a case of too much too soon. Also make sure your running shoes aren't too old. I tend to get muscle aches and pains when my are starting to wear out.

I agree with Beth. Core exercises can help with back pain. The reason is your core muscles hold you up and help to stabilize/balance your body. If they're weak or you're not using them, your back, knees upper body muscles will have to compensate and do that work. If the core work doesn't help, it could be that you have an existing back condition. It's best to get it looked it by a PT or doctor just to make sure.

Thanks Vicky! No, I didn't increase my mileage too much and it isn't the shoes. You are right, I need to help my core. I will be going to my Dr. about it.

If I am not doing core exercises (like the last month or so) I start to notice it more. From simply sleeping on my stomach which as long as I am doing my core exercises I don't have a stiff lower back, don't do them and there it is, it comes in slowly after a few weeks of no sit ups & back exercises. I've been noticing it too after runs/walks again. Guess I need to work my own again

I'm hoping that is all it is with you and nothing serious. Good luck with your training and plenty of PD that it's just those core muscles wanting their own attention.

Thanks Diane! That all makes sense too. I had been thinking about the fact that since I began running (which was just this past February-so I am a still new) I have not been doing anything other than running and stretching after my runs. I do need to get my core in shape, and maybe this was my wake-up call on that.

 

[BlakeNJ]

I have had similar back pain. It would come and go on my workouts and last a few days. At one point it was very bad and I was worried. Since then, I have started doing much more core work (as mentioned above) and (fingers crossed) it has not come back in 3 weeks.

Try working on your core--I think it will help if not solve the problem.

 

[liznboys]

Thanks BlakeNJ.



I did not end up going to the Dr as the pain began to subside that morning that I was going to call (and I really didn't want to pay that copay!) I'll just do my best to prevent it from happening again...and hope for the best!

Thanks again all.

 

[disneygirlinnj]

I've noticed I really need to stretch out my back after a run. I ran 5 miles yesterday and of course was in a rush to jump in the shower so I only really focused on stretching my legs. Sure enough, my back is tight and slightly sore. Last time I 'forgot' to stretch my back...I had back pain for about a week!

 

[laxdef69]

Good advice here so far...for what it's worth, I've found that when I'm not concentrating on good running form that my lower back hurts, too.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Hope you can get some time for work on your core. I find Pilates the answer to the pain for me. That, and less weight, but weight is always a battle I fight these days. If you can slip in a Pilates w/o along with after running/and W/O stretching, I'm sure you will notice a huge difference. Good luck with this.

 

[liznboys]

Thanks so much you guys, you're a big help!!!

I read a few things online...

Running and Hip and Back Pain:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_5/193.shtml

Exercises they recommend:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_5/183.shtml#abdominals

And then some core exercises:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-393-394--11878-0,00.html

I printed out those exercises and will be doing them along with my stretching now.

 

[liznboys]

I just had to post this... I did all the exercises in those links I posted and WOW am I feeling it! They are challenging and I love that. It's that kind of thing where you feel soreness in muscles you didn't know you had! ..Which just shows me how weak my core is. And hopefully if I keep up with doing these, that will change.