Running with lower back pain?

[frantastic]

Working today lifting chairs and I've managed to hurt my lower back. Not a very painful, more very uncomfortable, which is getting worse the more I sit. I was due to start W8 tonight, should I go or am I going to make it worse. I really want to go as I bought new trainers and the weekend and I am excited to try them!

[Nevertoolate Graduate]

You need to be careful how you go there. Have you tried painkillers and lying down on a hard surface? Have you had this before? If the pain is better with ibu-profen you may be alright to go - you can always stop (as disappointing as that may be!) Those new trainers will still be there tomorrow remember!

[frantastic]

I've never had it before! I think you are right, the trainers arent going anywhere. I will take some painkillers rest for another day and hopefully I can go tomorrow! Thank you!

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Hi frantastic, sorry you have hurt your back. Why not put those lovely new traoners on and have a good walk tonight and see how your back is tomorrow, if OK then try a run. You will give yourself a chance to get used to the new shoes too that way.

[April61 Graduate]

Hi

I have had a similar back problem since I have been running (mine was brought on by gardening) and have suffered from back pain in the past. When previously afflicted a friend, who is a physio had advised "gentle mobilisation and regular ibroprofen in the 'acute' phase and then to gradually get back to normal"

On the basis that 'mobilisation' was seen as a good thing - I tried to keep running 5k x3/week as usual, as I didn't want to get out of my routine, but I found that the back pain became worse. However, I think I didnt pay enough attention to the rest of his advice i.e. ‘gentle’ and ‘gradual’...I definitely overdid it.

Your case may not be as bad as mine and only you know how you feel – my advice would be not to push yourself too much and 'listen to your body'. Missing a session feels bad, but you have got to w8 and so you will definatley progress to w9, it just might take a bit longer.

I have also found that when I have had more of an 'uncomfortable' back I have continued to run, but for less time and have run on grass as I was told that there is less imapct and it seemed to make quite a difference - maybe you could try this option

Hope this helps

[frantastic]

Thank you to everyone who responded!! (Excluding the spammer.... shame on you) I gave myself a rest last night, but feeling much better this morning hoping to test those new trainers, very gently tonight!

[sfb350 Graduate]

I've had a bad back for the past few weeks but I find it is worse when I sit or stand for long periods of time (great when I work in an office) - running or walking helps. If you're unsure, check with the doctor, but if you take it gently and don't persevere if the paid gets worse you should be ok. Good luck !