Back pain- should I continue?

[Leorun]

Hi. First time posting on here so hoping to get some feedback. I’ve been following this program and I love it- found it hard, but can’t believe how much fitter I’m getting.

I’ve had sciatica on and off for last 5 years and it’s kind of under contro. However, I’ve been getting lower back pain recently and I am worried that the running could make it worse. I stretch every day and this eases it and I also have a few days off in between runs. Just started week 8, run 1 this eve and back twinging a bit so abandoned it even though I could have carried on.

Anyone got any advice? I will be really gutted if I have to stop as I’ve never run in my life and feel like I’m finally getting fit!

[resolution Graduate]

Hi there, and welcome! I don't have any medical conditions but I have back pain as well. I did my own research and I consulted my GP, and there's a very good chance you an improve and eventually completely remove this by increasing your core strength. Planks, crunches and the like. You use these muscles while running, walking etc. I get back pain always if I do a full day of sightseeing or going to the zoo or something - just because I'm not used to using these muscles for a protracted period fo time. I don't know if this helps?

[Leorun in reply to resolution]

Aw thank you. I definitely need to improve my core strength- something I’m working on. Have you been ok carrying on with the running? Just don’t want to make it worse

[resolution Graduate in reply to Leorun]

Yes I've been okay - I'm in week 8 as well, the pain for me usually starts around 5 mins in and goes away (or at least I stop noticing it) around 20 mins. But yeah, the longer you run the longer you have back pain, I've just been too lazy to work on my core muscles so far...!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done... we are not medical experts, so as long as you have the go ahead to run from your GP...arm up really well... make sure your shoes and socks are correct...and stretch after every run...

Try the NHS exercises for sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome.. they are great. After my trapped sciatic nerve I found then very useful.

[Leorun in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks so much. I’d hate to give up now, but have found to be in worse pain over the last couple of weeks. I just don’t want to make it worse. I’ll have a look at the exercises and see if there’s any I don’t know of- thank you so much.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Back ache for runners can be a symptom of relatively weak core strength, as resolution says, in which case there are loads of core strengthening exercises on the internet.

It could of course be symptomatic of some other concern which, if it persists, should be checked out with a GP or physio.

[Leorun in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you so much. I definitely need to strengthen my core and have had a look at some exercises. I need to try to sort this back problem once and for all!

[TailChaser Graduate]

Hi Leorun. I have back issues and I hope my story can give you hope.

I have also had back and sciatica problems for about 5 years.

I graduated C25k in May. My last two weeks or so were marred by hip bursitis. I had the same worries as you, that I wasn’t destined to be a runner. I trip to the osteopath and a weeks off and I gently eased myself back into it.

Since then I have worked on my core with regular gym trips, yoga and Pilates exercises.

The only issue I have had is a recent one when a virus got to my joints and set my back off again. A trip to the osteopath, and simply a new understanding of how my body worked, gave me the patience to see it through and gently get back to it. The osteopath was very pleased with my increased range of movement since my previous visit despite the injury.

Although I creak a bit sometimes, my sciatica appears to have gone since I started running regularly and I am about to reach my second 50mile month.

My advice is to see a health professional, get it checked out and get some reassurance. I’m sure they’ll be very keen to keep you running.

Keep going, you just might need a short break but it will be worth it 👍👍👍

[Leorun in reply to TailChaser]

Aw thanks so much and well done with the running! I know I’ve definitely got a back problem and have had prior treatment for sciatica- I just didn’t want to make it worse. I think I may cut back on the distance for a few weeks and just do a little run to keep up my fitness and then try to combine it with some exercises for core strength. I really have been so pleased with the programme and really want to complete it but, at the same time, I think I need to listen to my body and get myself sorted. Thanks for the advice- it gives me hope that I can carry on!

[Pinkpig20 Graduate]

I have had a sore lower back and have had to stop for just over a month now. I have been doing stretches & Pilates and that has helped. Next week I’m hoping to slowly getting back in to the running, maybe 5mins at a time.

[Odibrack]

I also have lower back pain and find that it is difficult to keep motivated but the sense of achievement is well worth it so I keep going. Now on week 8 run 3. This is the 3rd time I have done the 5K challenge and this time I fully intend to keep running afterwards. Maybe the actual effort of running warms the joints and makes it possible so I would keep going as long as it is not too unbearable but I am no doctor! P.S. I am 77 years old. Good luck.