Lower back pain

[Slowlygettingthere]

I've been happily running for a few months...slow and steady and have just started week 7. Very proud that i ran for 25 minutes without stopping!

My issue is that i have always, for years, suffered with lower back ache due to falling over and, wrongly i know, i hadn't done any stretching of my back before or after running and had only suffered mild stiffness.

With me running for longer i thought i should stretch before and after. I stretched before the run and whilst lying on the floor stretching i felt my left hip/back click a couple of times. During the run it was ok, a little sore, but no problems but after, i had pain going upstairs in that point.

I've rested for a few days and ran last night, but after 5 mins running i had to stop as it was too painful......i felt such a failure as I'd never stopped a run before!

Feeling so disheartened and disappointed

[LeeU Graduate]

First off, congratulations on getting to week 7, that's an amazing accomplishment.

There is no such thing as a failure in a run, only failure to start it, chalk it up to experience.

With regards to your back, the only thing I can recommend you do is see your GP, they should be very supportive of you doing C25K unless you have a condition that would be aggravated by running.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I would recommend that you read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... in respect of general stretching. Your back pain may well be a sign that you do not have the strong core required by runners. Planks and bridges along with general strengthening exercises will probably sort this out.

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

You have done really well so far! 👏👍

Good advice from IannodeTruffe & Lee should have you in running gear again soon.

[steviej99 Graduate]

Back problems are notoriously hard to solve. There's loads of conflicting advice on stretching. Stretching cold muscles seems risky and most recommend a) a general body warm up first and b) doing dynamic\active stretches rather than "passive" stretches. If you could see a sports physio they could give you brilliant advice after diagnosing your issues properly