So...I have talked about having back problems before and figured I would share some details. I wonder if anyone has gone through anything similar.
About 2 years ago I was reaching forward and felt something pull in my back and all of a sudden my back was in spasm. It was really painful and difficult to walk, but resolved itself after a week or so. The same thing happened in January during training for my half, but this time took at least 2 weeks before I was back to running.
After my half I started having back pain again, but not the same kind as before. I am a PT, but currently taking a few years off to stay home with the kids. I was able to successfully treat myself the first 2 times. This time I was just not seeing enough improvement and decided to go see a friend from school work is an orthopedic specialist and works with a lot of athletes.
He evaluated me and decided my problem was currently with my SI (sacroiliac) joint. I have a lot of weakness in my back, hips and abdominals and his theory is that after running a few miles I get the pain because my muscles are fatiguing and my form gets bad. He taped me and I went for a run and it helped a lot, but I found out I was allergic to the tape. :(
Right now I am wearing a soft brace for running and activity. I am doing a LOT of strengthening work for my hips, back and abdominals. When I go for PT, once a week, the PT stretches me and does some joint mobilization.
I do see an improvement, but I still get the pain at times. Speed work is difficult to do...I have to only speed up moderately or else the pain starts. I know it will take a while, but I am so not patient!!
Anyone else ever have to deal with back pain and a running injury???
15 comments:
I had lower back pain horribly when I started running after having Elaina. I went to the doctor and he gave me a steriod shot, but it still hurt. The thing that made it stop was stretching. Particularly child's pose. I have to stretch for a good 10 minutes after every run or else I'm in pain again. HTH! Good luck!
I have constant back pain and it isn't from running. I have done stretching and it relieves it some but it is pretty much constant, just more painful at times. I think mine stemmed from lifting up a frozen garage door...long story...when I was in 11th grade many moons ago. I would love (if you don't mind sharing), some of the stretching techniques you do. My chiropractor in GA only gave me two and I do them all the time.
Wish I had a better answer for you and I hope you get better soon, Sarah.
Hi Sarah,
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about your back issues:( I have not had any issues with my back but I have had problems with one of my hips. Good luck to you and I hope that you are "back" in action soon:)
Sarah, I am sorry your back is bothering you. I haven't have any back pain yet, just the knees, so I don't have any suggestion for you. I hope you will find a good solution for your back.
My back pain issues are pretty similar to yours, but started about 10 years ago. Randomly mowing the lawn and bam, spasms. About twice a year, it seems to flare up and gets aggravated if I run on it. Doing yoga regularly has helped ward it off, and strengthening my core through kettlebells is helping too.
I've had lower back pain and neck problems forever. The back pain always bothers me more ... but I've been to several doctors about it and they always end up talking about and focusing on my neck :( They keep giving me recommendations for PT for my neck but nobody cares about my neck. Poor me!
I have no ideas, but I hope the PT works for you and you can run pain free again soon!
Sorry to hear about your back. I was hoping you were going to say that it was all healed up. I'm ready for "our" next run.....
I had wicked hip pain a couple of years ago, & it was also somehow related to my SI. Along with core strengthening, I went to the chiropractor for a few weeks to get adjusted. It seemed to have worked since I didn't have the problem since.
Good luck!
I dont know that this will help you but I used to have HORRIBLE low back pain (about 13 years ago) and it all shifted when I added in planks and more core work.
strengthened my abdominal wall.
xoxo
I second the chiropractor recommendation. I swear by mine. She's a miracle worker!
Also, I highly recommend Pilates. I haven't found anything better for core strengthening.
Good luck. I hope you start getting some relief soon.
Yes I have had back problems so I definitely feel your pain! I fell down a short flight of stairs holding my 3 mo. old baby and of course did everything to protect her and landed in the craziest position. I actually went to a chiropractor a couple times a week for a few months and it did wonders. I actually have no recurring pain from it. You have to find what works and be patient, just what you wanted to hear... ;)
I haven't had back pain, but I had tendonitis in my hamstring almost two years ago, it took 10 months to fully heal. I know it's hard to be patient about healing, but it will get better if you're good to yourself, which you are!
I'm sorry to hear about the back issue. I hear you on the not patient part, I'm not patient at all. But you are doing great on strength training. I hope you will be running pain free soon. Good luck!
I had a major injury from a car accident. My back was so weak I couldnt even climb down the pool ladder to do my water physio.
See a physio about doing a pilates based rehab. Dont just go to a class, you need to start really really simple and build that core strength up.
Good luck...
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