Injured running on roads

[Tansycat]

Need some opinions please friends.

I started C25k at first lockdown in March 2012 and have carried on. No problems once I had the right shoes etc. I have always run on sandy trails, mostly flat and minimal road work

Since September I've moved to a different area ( until end of December 2021). Here is very hilly and all road work - no trails. footpaths etc at all

Now I've got a trapped nerve somewhere in my neck/shoulder and its continually painful, often excrutiating. Ive had to give up running for now

Do you think that the impact of all that tarmac running might have caused it? What else could I do to keep fit?

Grateful for any suggestions or views on how I've got injured this way

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Sorry to hear of this problem !And you are right not to run in pain .

As to what caused it well, it's difficult to say , however road (Tarmac) running will certainly produce more impact !

We are not medically trained but I would suggest getting advice from a medical professional and certainly before resuming any other excercise regime

[nowster Graduate]

The answer is "possibly". You're always best asking a medical professional about things like this.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Possibly. Did you gradually introduce tarmac into your running or was it a 'big bang' ?

[Tansycat Graduate in reply to John_W]

Sadly it was a Big Bang. I didn’t expect to only have roads available

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Tansycat]

I'm in a similar position, living in a city centre, where it's all roads and paving. However, I do have access to treadmill at the gym, which provides an excellent alternative and softer surface.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

It might be nothing to do with running at all (I know a number of people who don't run at all and get this awful problem episodically) You may find your area operates self-referral to an NHS physio but this is definitely something to check with a health professional (who may be in a position to prescribe some effective analgesia too)

I say this as someone who studiously avoids road and pavement running and whose body definitely does not like it. I wonder if you are heel striking rather than landing mid or forefoot?

[Tansycat Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Could be. Trouble is I’m in France and can’t get home until 23/12 to see my physio I haven’t run since Saturday and now it’s Tuesday, it’s a teeny bit better but very debilitating

[J2l8]

Hi, silly idea but you say you have move location. I too had a problem with my neck after I moved my laptop during lockdown. You might not spend too much time on your computer but it was surprising how quickly bad posture can take effect

[Tansycat Graduate in reply to J2l8]

Hmm yes, just listened to a podcast on that very subject.. posture and running