Running..is it bad for you if you have back problems?

nickiw68
nickiw68 Posts: 71
edited December 18 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi guys, I seem to be reading conflicting pieces of advice about running if you have any back problems?

I have a problem with a disk in my lower back, and to be honest it doesn't actually hurt when I am running...I just have a problem sitting!!

Can anyone shed any light on any connections between running being bad for a bad back. I have laid of the running for a couple of weeks but do miss it...

Your thoughts/advice/help would be great :smile:

Replies

  • Smuterella
    Smuterella Posts: 1,623 Member
    I think it really depends on the person. I have a pair of extra ribs in my back and was told to avoid weights and high impact exercise. I've been lifting weights and running for a while now and if anything I feel better.

    Speak to your specialist is all I can say, but even then they don't know it all.
  • chevy88grl
    chevy88grl Posts: 3,937 Member
    I really think it depends on the person.

    I have steel rods in my spine and have a bulging disc in one of the only non-fused discs that I have left.

    I love to run. Can I run a 7 min mile? No. My back can't handle it. But, I can still run and I really enjoy it. I will say that my orthopedic surgeon said if I'm going to run (he wishes I wouldn't, but understands why I want to do so) I MUST do it either on a treadmill (supportive base to absorb some of the shock) or on a shock absorbent track. NO running outside!
  • Dauntlessness
    Dauntlessness Posts: 1,489 Member
    I agree, talk with your doctor about it. It is so hard to say with not knowing your history and not having a medical degree. I have SIJD in my left hip/back and I was training for a half marathon. After 2 weeks my SI came out of place a few times and I had to stop. Running can be high impact, especially if your running on pavement. Its super important you seek medical advice. You don't want to make it worse.
  • Whodatgirl77
    Whodatgirl77 Posts: 238 Member
    My chronic low back pain seems to improve anytime I exercise regularly including running.
  • nickiw68
    nickiw68 Posts: 71
    Great , thanks for your advice. I am seeing a specialist on Saturday, so I will ask him
  • Helloitsdan
    Helloitsdan Posts: 5,564 Member
    If you are overweight and most of your issues fall in the stomach region then yes you could have issues running.
    It puts appx 8 extra pounds of pressure on your knees per pound of excess fat as well as 10 extra pounds of pressure on your upper back per pound of fat.

    I suggest supervised weight lifting until you have good form.
    This will strengthen you up so you can avoid further injury.

    I used to have chronic lower back pain but doing squats has fixed that.

    =D
  • trail_rnr
    trail_rnr Posts: 337 Member
    I'm the same as chevy88girl, assorted hardware and a disk (just above the hardware) that is angry a lot of the time. I'm pretty darn slow, but that's OK. I too have big problems sitting (nerve pain) but running is my saving grace. I can run long distances without getting the nerve pain. My surgeon was a runner and all of my health care professionals "get it" and understand that one of my primary goals is to remain active.

    Disks love oxygen. I work with a structural PT to keep my hips in line and am diligent about keeping my core strong.

    I think it's important to work with docs and such who understand running mechanics and encourage you to keep moving, even if it's just power walking for a while as the disk mellows out. Good luck!
  • Arbelina
    Arbelina Posts: 102 Member
    Hi there, good luck for the talk with your doc! I used to have lower back problems and running helped me a lot, especially since I started to do orienteering. In orienteering you run straight through forests, without any tracks. It used to feel all the muscles in my back afterwards, since you need to lift your feet a bit higher than running on a track. I took it as a clear sign that it helps to train your core and my back problems basically disappeared. So talk with your doc and give it a try ;)
  • MNFats
    MNFats Posts: 4
    I agree. Core work is essential to maintaining proper form while running.

    One thing I would add, is to consider running in a swimming pool if possible. Minimizes the stresses and running through water is 5 times more of a workout. You will see many collegiate athletes that are recovering from injuries to start in the pool until they are stronger.
  • nickiw68
    nickiw68 Posts: 71
    I agree. Core work is essential to maintaining proper form while running.

    One thing I would add, is to consider running in a swimming pool if possible. Minimizes the stresses and running through water is 5 times more of a workout. You will see many collegiate athletes that are recovering from injuries to start in the pool until they are stronger.

    OOooh, that's an interesting one, haven't heard of that before
  • sailorsiren13
    sailorsiren13 Posts: 460
    Pilates, Yoga, Running, all of these things have helped me with my sciatica that being said I would ask your dr. unless he's like mine who say if it hurts then stop doing it. That just isn't an option. Good Luck to you!
  • BeautyFromPain
    BeautyFromPain Posts: 4,952 Member
    bump
  • hubkal
    hubkal Posts: 125 Member
    I also suffer with disc problems in my low back and neck. When I exercise it does make it feel better. I make sure I stretch afterwords for at least as long as I was exercising. It is up to the person and their tolerance. I would recommend core strength as well as it is the abd muscles and the psoas muscles that help that area in the back hold up better!
  • ambitious01
    ambitious01 Posts: 209 Member
    I have degenerative disc disease and have lost about 8 disc. I have had 3 back surgeries, and for me, running keeps me mobile. I have problems with sciatica and the surgeon was the one who said to walk. I was up to 5 miles, so he said run. If you don't experience severe pain then do it.
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