Lower back pain..

I’m currently on W6.. I’ve been having lower pain back for the past couple of weeks, saw a GP last week who told me to stop running and take up cycling! In fact his actual words were “Why have you started running st your age?” I’m 43! Relatively fit I walk a lot and not overweight? I’ve continued with the plan while taking painkillers .. and have two rest days now instead of one. The back pain isn’t unbearable but it’s alwats there.. I’m thinking of getting a gait analysis as the back pain started when I bought new trainers.. I guess my question is do I pause for a couple weeks or continue? Don’t want to lose momentum I’m doing well and enjoying the plan!

[Ripcurlrana71]

Do you do any strengthing exercises? Apart from a gait test for new running shoes it’s important to have a strong core when running. Look up some back strengthing exercises.

Also tell the doc to take a running jump - 43 is old??! Yeah whatever!

[Hidden in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Hi.. I don’t do strengthening excercises no.. I will start though thank you. Regarding the GP, I couldn’t believe what he said to me! I told him about this forum and said there’s much older (no offence to anyone) than me who have started the plan. He gave me a lecture on the impact on joints, back etc. He also suggested I swim. Not the same buzz!

[Ripcurlrana71 in reply to Hidden]

What a loser! The dr not you!!!

[Rignold]

Haahaha. Yeah, that's doctors for you. tell me, did the doctor look like he works out much? I am lucky to have 2 doctors at out surgery who are marathon runners.

I would say almost certainly lack of core strength and posterior chain strength are your issue. The idea that gait analysis is the universal panacea has gained a huge amount of traction here in recent years, but if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

Can you stand on one leg for 20 seconds? With your eyes closed?

Can you hold a plank for 2 minutes?

Can you get from lying down to standing up without using your hands?

If you answer no to any of the above, work on strength.

[Hidden in reply to Rignold]

Ha! The Doctor definitely doesn’t work out!

I can stand on one leg for 20 seconds with my eyes closed and get off the floor with no hands..but can’t do a plank. I will do the strengthening exercises though thank you and I’ll hold off on the gait analysis! 😊

[TailChaser Graduate in reply to Rignold]

Wow Rignold, they are really good tests! I thought I could stand on one leg etc but I can’t do it with my eyes closed. I can do the lying down test but I think a plank after 1 minute would be beyond me. Thanks for those!

And Hidden your GP is a twit! (And not a Twit-tee-woo 😂)

[Crittermad Graduate]

My back is the same - and whilst I can stand on one leg I don’t think I could get up off the floor without hands!

What are good back strengthening exercises?

Surely doing weight bearing exercise is what us women are recommended to do as we get older????

[Hidden in reply to Crittermad]

I just googled back strengthening excercises and a whole load came up.. will be doing them from now on! The pain is bearable but annoying.. not as annoying as the GP though! 😊

[Rignold in reply to Crittermad]

Weight lifting exercise and bodyweight exercise is what all people should be doing, regardless of gender or age. It becomes rather moot whether you can run 5k if you have to go into a retirement home because you can't lift yourself off the loo, or off the floor if you fall.

Pullups, deadlifts, rows, bridges, good mornings...

[Hidden]

Sounds like your GP did his training back in the dark ages! What a stupid comment (the Dr - not u!). Jay66 has had back problems- maybe he can offer some advice?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

He’s not far off my age! And yes very silly comment to make to someone who’s trying to get healthier.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Well you are younger than me! I'm 53. Can't believe that health professionals are saying things like that. Hey- ho. Ignore it & keep on running - get your back better first tho! Good luck & keep us posted.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! ☺️

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I was 57 when I did C25K and developed lower back pain in the months afterwards, when I first ran 10 miles. Planks, bridges and squats soon sorted it. No, I didn't think about giving up.

I would not dismiss the idea that it may be your shoes.

[Hidden in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Lovely thank you!

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I’m 59 and my GP has been very supportive of my running ( he runs too). Time to see your GP’s partner!! 😄

[Hidden in reply to Elfe5]

Yes I won’t be going back to him! 😐

[mrrun Graduate]

I started in my fifties and completed half marathon. My lower back issues were sorted out by an osteopath. Do NOT rely on painkillers, see a specialist and sort it out. Work on body strength.

Oh, yeah, and get another GP.

[Hidden in reply to mrrun]

Thanks.. managing without painkillers and definitely getting another GP! Will check out an osteopath. Thanks again.