lower back pain when running

Anonymous
Anonymous Posts: 79,667
edited April 2008 in Health, fitness & training
Ok, i know that this doesn;t exactly fit the bike category, but I run, to improve my fitness for mountain biking.
Anyway, I always seem to suffer twinges of pain in my lower back when running, which only lasts whilst actually running.
Yesterday, it got so bad I had to cut my run short, however, as soon as I stopped running and stretched a little, it was fine again, so I carried on, only to have the back pain re-appear instantly.

I don't suffer from back problems in general, only when running.

What could be causing this, and how do I overcome it?
Should I go see a doctor?

Comments

  • Surf-Matt
    Surf-Matt Posts: 5,952
    Maybe see a physio but you might have overtight hamstring muscles which in turn limit back movement - my mate has this problem.

    Not a lot you can do but stretch a lot!
  • wheelbuckler
    wheelbuckler Posts: 134
    It could also be the way you run. If your stride isn't "ideal" the impact could be causing you to jar your back when running. If its more of a constant ache rather than a sharp pain it could be your posture putting strain on your back.

    There will be lots of ways you can get round this, I used to do a lot of running before a couple of succesive lower limb injuries put a stop to it. The first thing I would suggest is try changing your footwear! might not seem like the obvious answer but the wrong type of running shoe can throw up all sorts of problems. Try to find a specialist running shop and get them to assess your running. I went to one and they get you on a treadmill and look at the way you run and some can even sense the pressure on each of your feet. All this will help them pick out a pair of runniong shoes that are suited to the way you run. I spent £90 on a pair of specialist runners and it made a world of difference.

    If that doesn't do the trick I would see a physio (or a doctor but chances are a doc will get you to see a physio) When I was seeing the physio one of the first things she told me to do was get some proper running shoes so if you have already done that with no improvement the physio will be able to do a better assessment and hopefully sort you out quicker.

    It could also depends on your fitness level and weight, If you are overweight (like me) running will put a bit of extra strain on your back and on your knees as well, my suggestion would be to try slowing down a bit. But, if you are a lean, ,mean machine that is running to stay fit then I would suggest new shoes/physio.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    Hmm, I'll try doing something about my posture first. I'm not exactly a lean mean running machine, but I've always been built heavily anyway (rugby physique)
    I've got some proper running shoes, which feel excellent to run in, so I'll try keeping my back straighter.
    I have noticed that I tend to stoop a little when running, head down, almost boxing kind of stance! maybe that's the problem!
  • jmeadows
    jmeadows Posts: 335
    defo need to invest in decent running shoes, asics are great, but wheelbucklers right the specialists are the way to go for good advice
    never hurts your eyes to look on the bright side of life...
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    Well, just been for my daily after-work 2 mile run. I think it may well be posture. By keeping my back straight, and looking straight ahead, my back is much better. As I said, I usually run in a sort of head down charge, which probably doesn't help!

    Oh, and for the record, my running shoes are a pair of salomon XA pro 3Ds.

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