running help, please

eli_802

okay, so when i was in high school i used to run about 4 miles a day, just on my own outside, no problem. then i got to college and had a free gym so i started running on treadmills and using ellipticals. some days when i'm running on a treadmill i feel great, but the last 4-5 times i've tried to run i get excruciating pain in my lower back. it feels like it is cramping up, but if i walk for a few minutes or switch to an elliptical the pain goes away immediately. any idea what could be causing this? i don't think my form has changed at all, and i haven't changed the incline or speed..

CarsonRuns

Shoes?

How old are they and are you sure they are the right shoe for you?

Get fitted at a specialty running store.

stevesilk

Totally agree. Have only been running for about 6 months, but the shoes make ALL THE DIFFERENCE. A good pair fitted correctly can eliminate a lot of the pain runners endure. And they wear out, so remember to get the advice of the experts (like Carson) about when to retire your shoes.

mlb929

Core strength would be my first thought.

jacksonpt

Are you running outside at all currently? Do you get the back pain when outside, or only on the treadmill?

eli_802

thanks for the replies, everyone.

i guess my shoes could be the issue.. they're about 6 months old. my biggest concern is just that i've run with older shoes than this before, but its never made me be is this much pain.

as for running outside, i don't go on runs per say, but sometimes i'll jog to campus (about a mile) and haven't had any pain then.

jacksonpt

thanks for the replies, everyone.

i guess my shoes could be the issue.. they're about 6 months old. my biggest concern is just that i've run with older shoes than this before, but its never made me be is this much pain.

as for running outside, i don't go on runs per say, but sometimes i'll jog to campus (about a mile) and haven't had any pain then.

Age of the shoes don't matter... fit/support matters. Old shoes that fit right will be better than new shoes that don't.

Melo1966

Posture and Core Strength, lack there of puts more presure on the lower back.

frozen2late

I agree with everyone here.
When my sneakers are not fitted or tight enough, I get very cramped up in my back because my form is going to be poor even if I don't notice.

There is a bigger difference though that might occur inside vs. outside = Air conditioner

If you are in direct contact with a lot of cold air blowing you might cramp up. I find it harder to run in the chilly weather or in an AC'd gym.

billsica

Could be shoes.

Could be posterior chain.

Start doing squats in the squat rack. Maybe some lunges? Bulgarian split squats are supposed to be good too, but I have never tried them.

After squats, deadlifts, clean press and a few other accessory exercises my back and shoulder pains have pretty much become non-existent wile running.