To Run or Not to Run?

yellowdog77

Ok I am very frustrated at the moment. I have been having lower back problems. While waiting for an MRI and the results my dr told me to hold off on running and daily exercise. Found out today I have a bulging disc and arthritis in my back. Suggestion was PT or a chiropractor. Only thing is I can not get to someone before the end of the month. I am so anxious to get back to running and strength training. So my question is should I just go back to my exercise routine or wait till I see the PT or chiro.


Thanks

AnaNotBanana

Back injuries can be really serious. I would say hold off until you can see a PT or chiropractor. You wouldn't want to make it worse.

vzepol

Wait until the doctor clears you. Do something else until you are back in shape to run.

Two things to think about: 1. Try to work with a doctor or chiropractor that is a runner 2. Check out "Pain Free" by Peter Egoscue the exercises/postures in the book will help to speed your recovery.

denise980

I would wait until you have a chance to speak to someone... I broke my back about 7 years ago now and I was told not to even drive (I did it right before getting my permit, which was devastating lol). I have found recently that there have been times that I have needed to make another appointment with a PT and during those times it's usually a 3 to 4 week time span before I can see one, which means I cannot do anything.

When I wait to work out though, it's the best thing that you possibly can do because if you were to do something you may cause more damage or hurt something else in the process. I know that you may feel helpless not doing your normal exercise routine, but I would recommend going for a walk on a daily basis instead. That way you are still doing something, but you are not putting too much strain on your back, in case you damage something else.

AngelicaDulas

I spent THREE YEARS

AngelicaDulas

I spent THREE YEARS IN AGONY because I didnt go to a chiropractor. it's tough. Mild stretching won't hurt if you do it the right way. I found that lying flat on my stomach on the floor and letting every muscle relax to start helped. In that position, do an upper body push up (keep your hips on the floor, your feet a comfortable distance apart), and go down, repeat this press up motion while breathing in/out up/down and it will feel stiff and hurt at first but if you take it slow and do it often it helps to pull the bulge back in! WITHOUT SURGERY!!! keep at it several times a day and after a few days it wont hurt so much then it will feel good. When it starts to feel better, you can extend the stretch by breathing OUT while you're UP then back in before going down. Good luck, this helped me, but I also went to a chiropractor for about 8 months years ago. no back pain since!

bitty1taz

I also have arthritis in my neck and lower back. I've had injections in my neck and they helped some. PT didn't help for me.
Running somehow doesn't aggravate mine, but weights do. I do what I can and just listen to my body. The only thing that gets on my nerves is that it hinders my weight loss because I can only do so much exercise.
See what the dr. has to say and go from there.

JenWorthen3

Definitely wait. I have a bad pelvic bone from having four big babies (not all at once). I had to go through physical therapy to help correct it. I've also been to the chiropractor for it. I wasn't a huge fan of the chiropractor, but I LOVED physical therapy! It was like having a personal trainer that actually knew how to help me with my bad back! I would have about 30 minutes of an actual workout then the therapist would put me on a heating pad and a little buzzing thing that would just buzz my back and help stimulate the muscles, then she'd come and stretch me. It helped me feel SO much better! The first time it happened, I tried to just stretch it out on my own and I hurt it worse. Definitely not a good idea. Be prepared to go to PT for at least four weeks -- depending on how much you do the workouts at home, too. But it's totally worth it!

tarazena

For sure hold off on the running! I had lower back pain for about a whole year..and kept thinking that it was just tight muscles and sciatica etc...finally one day I had really sore back and couldn't go to work. I went to my DR. and they did X-rays...I have scoliosis (curved spine) and osteo-arthritis in that area...I can no longer do high intensity. The more I run, the more my cartilage in my spine in breaking down..not worth it as it will be painful as I get older..and you may have a similar situation. I used to run all the time and I LOVE running! (I miss it too) But, since I stopped all high instensity..my back is slowly starting to not hurt everyday. It is hard at first..but you will get used to doing other things. Try to concentrate on what you CAN DO instead of what you can't. You may not be able to run as much anymore...surprisingly I am still managing my weight fine without all that bouncing...doing Elliptical (which I made fun of before) etc. Good luck..I hope you heal well and can still run!

MakingAChoice

Listen to your body

MyBeautyIsSkinDeep

Hold On !!!!!!!! WAIT UNTIL THE DOCTOR SAY IT IS OKAY!!!!

mlb929

Did the dr tell you you can pool run? Or water exercises? That would be my suggestion if you have that option available to you. In the mean time, will he let you walk? They say that helps maintain a fitness level.

CatchMom11

As much as I love running, it's more important to not only listen to your body, but also your doctor. You could do more damage than it's worth.