running - taking the stress out of my back?

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BeautyFromPain
BeautyFromPain Posts: 4,952 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have scoliosis and was just wondering if there is a way to take the stress off of my back during a run?
If I run outside I have massive pain and can't even walk the day afterwards. I'm fine on the treadmill, but it just gets so boring plus I wanna be able to do races...

Any solutions? :)

Replies

  • ClareRae
    ClareRae Posts: 153 Member
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    Have you tried any kind of back brace? You may need to talk to your doctor about getting an orthopedic brace for support while you run.
  • Hollie_downunder
    Hollie_downunder Posts: 192
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    Really only your doctor or chiro can give you advice on this one instead of MFP forums
  • camrunner
    camrunner Posts: 363
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    I went to a running symposium recently where Ian Adamson gave a talk about running form. He's a fairly prominent figure in the world of running. One thing he mentioned that really stuck with me is that if you're landing on your heel when you run, the stress is transferred up your legs and winds up affecting your back most. Forefoot striking, on the other hand, minimizes that stress.

    Here's a graphic that explains it better than I can: http://www.newtonrunning.com/run-better/optimal-running-form

    No guarantees, but this is something to consider, at least. This DOES sound like something to talk to your doctor about, but if you're committed to running then I'd suggest talking to someone at a running specialty store as well.
  • sweetsarahj
    sweetsarahj Posts: 701 Member
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    If I were you, I'd go to a running clinic. I wonder if your form is compromised, or perhaps better shoes would help. good luck!
  • jillybeanruns
    jillybeanruns Posts: 1,420 Member
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    How bad is your scoliosis? If it's not enough of a curve, you don't need a back brace. If you're not wearing a back brace in day-to-day life, your problem is your form and/or your running shoes.

    I have scoliosis, it's not 25% curvature (which is when they usually recommend a back brace) so it doesn't affect my running. I work on better posture when I'm sitting down, I work on strengthening my core (and my hips) as that's VITAL for running, I watch my form and I wear sneakers that I was fitted for.

    Do you do any of the above?
  • BeautyFromPain
    BeautyFromPain Posts: 4,952 Member
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    How bad is your scoliosis? If it's not enough of a curve, you don't need a back brace. If you're not wearing a back brace in day-to-day life, your problem is your form and/or your running shoes.

    I have scoliosis, it's not 25% curvature (which is when they usually recommend a back brace) so it doesn't affect my running. I work on better posture when I'm sitting down, I work on strengthening my core (and my hips) as that's VITAL for running, I watch my form and I wear sneakers that I was fitted for.

    Do you do any of the above?

    I did need a back brace, but they found out about the scoliosis too late for it to make a difference. Back braces are only for when you're still growing. I watch my form, I get my sneakers fitted, I strengthen my core and what do you mean by strengthening your hips? How do you do that?
  • brookepenni
    brookepenni Posts: 787 Member
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    phew - its good to hear you're out running in the street now - cops must have got those people who were doing all those kidnappings in your street!
  • salxtai
    salxtai Posts: 341 Member
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    If it hurts, don't do it. Simple as that. If you haven't learnt that your back is the central shock absorber as part of your course, then it is - its the centre of the body.
    There's no real way to offload it when you're smashing it with a multitude of the weight you already stress it with when you walk.
    Barefoot running is debatable on force distribution unless you do it right.


    ... and hip strengthening should be part of your core stuff already, otherwise you're not doing full core work..
  • dam_p29
    dam_p29 Posts: 3
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    My opinion only,
    If u have this type of spinal injury I would suggest going to a specialist for advice, not a forum.
    A quick read about this type of thing, suggested not running on hard surfaces for one, there was plenty out there.
    I would think that at diagnosis you would have been given a lot of paper work on how it should be managed, perhaps reading this and discussing with your specialist would be a safer approach, if it were me I certainly wouldn't be messing with my spine noting the long term effects it may have.
    While not a medical professional, I have been through some major surgeries and each time I was given well and truely enough information on how I should be managing my issue. Also having some understanding around legal liability, any medical professional on the forums would not be able to give you the advice you are seeking as each individual case needs to be manged per individual.
    You maybe better placed putting your time into some research on your condition and talking with specialist vice posting on a healthy lifestyle website.
    Best of luck

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