First time on Injury Couch, advice needed!

[belonger]

I did W7R2 on Tuesday and found it the hardest so far, then on Weds I felt something pull in my mid-back and have been in pain and with limited back mobility since - really gutted to have to rest from running for a few days (that's something I never ever thought I'd say!).

I was going to do a 5min run/5 walk half hour this morning but my husband really advised against it - how long do you think I should rest from running? I really don't want to lose the progress I've made so far! I'm doing gentle yoga stretches and had a good massage yesterday, and am walking a bit every day.

Any advice very gratefully accepted, thanks

[nikkiwabit Graduate]

Sorry to hear you are on the IC but glad to hear you are walking and doing yoga rather than lying down. I would say listen to what your back is telling you, wait for the pain to go and then do a couple of short runs to check it is OK before starting back properly.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Back trouble has stopped me from running a couple of times, so you have my sympathy. In my experience keeping mobile and as flexible as possible, rather than sitting for long periods is the best way to recover.

My back injury was not caused by running but I was well aware that it could be exacerbated by running, so my return was slow and gentle. If the back pain is new to you then you might need to do more core strength exercises as that solid core becomes more crucial as you run further.

I would not run until you are free of pain and flexible. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Rignold]

Your legs and lungs are not going to forget the progress you have made. Have no fear.

[belonger Graduate]

Thanks everyone, that's all very reassuring. I've kept doing gentle yoga and walking, and had a swim, and the pain is almost gone (although it moved to my neck at one point, just to be cheeky). I've got some core strengthening exercises to do, I definitely need to improve that, so this has been a useful wake up call.