I was told I can't run...

anabell31
anabell31 Posts: 268
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Back in high school, I had this awful problem after my gym class. If we did any running, my lower back would be in so much pain by the end of the day that I literally couldn't walk up the stairs. I was diagnosed with scoliosis as a kid and one doctor said my muscles pull weird because of the curvature and that's what was causing the pain. But another doctor said it has no effect on how my back muscles work. Either way, I was given written permission to skip any and all activities that involved running and was pretty much told "Oh well, too bad. You'll never be able to run."

I was never really told what caused the back pain and wondered if anybody on here has experienced it? And possibly how to ease it, because I really would like to start running... Do you know of any exercises to strengthen the lower back area?

Replies

  • mugsisme
    mugsisme Posts: 127 Member
    You need to do core strengthen. Pilates does that.

    I have sacroiliac dysfunction and can't do anything other than low impact. There is still plenty to do. Walking is great. Look up core strengthen to help your back pain.
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    I used to get some lower back pain running although I don't think it was as painful as yours.

    I spend a few months doing deadlifts and good-mornings in the weight room and the back pain went away and never came back.
  • Havend1
    Havend1 Posts: 52 Member
    I have 2 herniated discs and I still do high impact workouts such as kickboxing and step. My chiro said I should be oing any of that but what else can I do? I don't swim because I do not wear swim suits. Just start out slow and see how your body feels.
  • Roni_M
    Roni_M Posts: 717 Member
    If I were you I would talk to your doctor before starting any of the "higher impact" exercises. I have PsA in my back and sacroilliac joints and high impact stuff is a major no no with inflammed joints according to the doctors. Perhaps they can even refer you to a physiotherapist who can make recommendations. Otherwise I would probably just stick to lower impact exercise that can strengthen your core like mugsisme suggested. Walking is great and balance exercises (the big ball or the wii).
  • anabell31
    anabell31 Posts: 268
    Thank you all for the advice! I will try the core exercises and Pilates before I attempt running. It would be nice to stop having to explain to people that I'm physically incapable of running and getting weird looks.
  • ckapes
    ckapes Posts: 31
    I know this probably doesn't relate to you, but some low back pain is actually caused by stiff hamstrings. Make sure daily stretching is part of your routine.
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    It sounds like time for another visit to the doctor (a different one!) and a physiotherapist. They will be able to analyze the problem and work out what muscles need strengthening etc. As you know there is a problem there, it would be smartest to get professional advice rather than just following random suggestions from the Internet - you don't want to cause more problems.
    Good luck!
  • LisaStanley500
    LisaStanley500 Posts: 65 Member
    I've had a burst T12 fracture & surgery(2 rods & 8 screws). I was told not to run. I walk, use the elliptical, Wii fit, Zumba, swim...it's just the pounding (impact) that you have to be careful with. I can do a lot of exercise DVDs as well, I just have to stay away from jumping jacks, jumping rope & jarring things like that. I just asked my doctors point blank, what can I do & what should I avoid.
  • karley511
    karley511 Posts: 33 Member
    My mom has severe scoliosis. She can't run or do any of the machines. She walks sometimes at the mall and she loves to run in the pool. Any type of pool/water exercise is great for her. Maybe you could try that.
  • Scorpioangel
    Scorpioangel Posts: 951 Member
    My back was broke in a head on collision. I broke several bones in my lumbar area and also have permanent disc issues. I was told I would never be able to run or play golf. I was never a runner anyways but it still bothered me. I am proud to say I ran my first half marathon last year and finished in the top 50% (my goal) and I can golf :) To strengthen my back I did P90X. It was the only thing that worked for me. Prior to that I went to the gym 5 days a week, used machines, nothing worked. P90X gave me strength back and confidence I never knew I'd have!
  • anabell31
    anabell31 Posts: 268
    ckapes: Hamstrings and back pain, never would have thought of that! I'll add some hamstring stretches to my routine and see if it helps.

    Rubybelle: I know my school's gym has on-site nutritionists, I'll ask if they have physical therapists there as well, or maybe in the student clinic.

    Lisa: Maybe that's what hurts so much. I can walk and swim forever with very little pain, but the jarring movement of running just kills me...

    Karley: The pool is a great deal of fun, lol. Maybe a water aerobics class would be interesting!

    Scorpioangel: What a story! I'm glad you're ok and recovered well, and congrats on the marathon!!! I've heard a lot about P90X so I'll look into that too.

    Lordy, just working on fixing this back problem is gonna get me to my goal weight!
  • Roni_M
    Roni_M Posts: 717 Member
    I just also wanted to mention that my daughters best friend has scoliosis. They both are cheerleaders...after having recurring back pain after tumbling the doctor diagnosed scoliosis (I believe she has a 6% curvature). They said she was fine to continue cheerleading but sent her to physiotherapy to learn some specific exercises. So it is possible in the right circumstances to get into great shape and be extremely active with it...you just have to make sure you follow your doctors advice to get there!
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