Help! Really bad back pain. I graduated about 5 weeks ago & was feeling really pleased but twice I've had really bad lower back pain.

[KateMac]

It's happened twice the day after a 30 min run and I almost couldn't walk. I've never had back problems before & the only thing I've done differently is run more on concrete as it was too muddy to run on grass. Is it the running that's causing it or just a coincidence? I really don't want to give up but can't risk not being able to move! I'd only actually managed about 5 30mins runs & have now not run at all for about 3 weeks. Hoping to start again next week (maybe with 20mins to build up) does anyone have any advice? I really loved the programme apart from this, Laura is my best imaginary friend!

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Hi KateMac, does everything else seem to be OK, i.e. waterworks etc. Its almost impossible to be able to tell what may be the problem if you thing the jogging is the cause you may need a longer rest from it, but you could still walk to keep active if the pain isn't too bad. If it flares again you should seek medical advise as you may be doing yourself more harm. Hope it settles down for you soon.

[KateMac Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

Hi, thanks. I went out again today & actually managed 30 mins even though I'd had several weeks off. No pain at all during actual run so I'll see how it is tomorrow. I don't have any other problems so I guess I'll just have to see how it goes. It's so annoying though as I'd made such good progress & was raving about the podcasts to anyone who would listen!

[Deryn61 Graduate]

Lots of things might contribute, running on concrete more sounds like one of them - can you now vary a bit? Or are your trainers a bit worn out or not appropriate for your gait,? Perhaps stretching more after your runs? This article specifically says that lower back pain is common amongst runners and suggests stretches/exercises to help

runninginjuryfree.org/2008/...

[KateMac Graduate in reply to Deryn61]

Hi, thanks for the link to excercises, I hadn't done any sort of stretching before or after so will give that a try. I went out today with no pain & ran mostly on grass so am hoping I'll be ok tomorrow (only trouble with grass is the wet soaks through my trainers & now I've got the beginings of a blister, can't win!) I have new trainers but I think they are probably not as good as my old ones.

[Deryn61 Graduate in reply to KateMac]

You will never find waterproof running shoes lol!

Not sure if you know but you can either use the wonderful compeed blister plasters to prevent/treat blisters, or even better to prevent blisters in my experience are socks specially for running ("twin skinned"!), I have not yet had a blister despite getting wet feet quite often!

[KateMac Graduate in reply to Deryn61]

Hi, thanks so much for the tip re running socks, I had no idea such things existed but bought some at the weekend & my feet felt like they were wrapped in cotton wool today! Such a relief. Also, no repeat of back pain in last couple of weeks so hopefully I can really get back into running.

[Gazter Graduate]

I do also find on the longer 30 min runs i some times get an aching back, not quite to the scale you are suffering from though. I assumed it was just my weight.

[KateMac Graduate in reply to Gazter]

hi, does your back hurt while you are running? I do find it strange that mine was bad the day after. I don't think it's to do with my weight but it could very well be down to being generally quite unfit & maybe not having the best technique.

[Gazter Graduate]

Its after, especially while driving. The posture while sitting seems to be a bit tender.