Sometimes you just can't win! Injured my back and I wasn't even running!

[Redcello41]

I was so ready to go for a run today being that I have now recovered from being ill last week but I have to wait a bit longer now because I have managed to injure my lower left back! And I wasn't even running or anything exercise-based at all I was just doing the washing up! One second I was fine and I must of twisted it or something because the next second I was in pain and couldn't bend over at all! My back is still quite painful three days later and the only comfortable position is to lie on my front. I'm dosed up on co-codomol and paracetamol and I also have a heat pack too! Sitting and bending over is the most painful closely followed by standing! However I have no pain whatsoever when I walk, so can I justify a short gentle run? Advice anyone? I'm still really perplexed because I can't work out how I've hurt my back doing the washing up and why it's so painful!

So instead of going for a run, I went for another walk early this morning to loosen up my back and to get some fresh air! And as you might of noticed, I really like bridges hahaha! 😀

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

I am so sorry about your injury when doing the washing, which just proves that many injuries have occurred at home, you could run a 100 miles a week with no injury then do the washing and get what happened to you RC, all I can suggest is that you don't do anything strenuous, perhaps get advice from others on this forum with back injury, if nothing else I know that you will miss running most of all, I just hope your injury heals soon.

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks, it is feeling much better now but still isn't 100%.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Oh no! That sucks 😢 Keeping moving is probably a good thing, but I instinctively feel walking is safer than running. I guess all you can do is try it and see, but maybe some patience for a few days would be worthwhile. Speedy healing 😘

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Yes good idea, I've been going on daily walks in the mornings and it really loosens up my back for the day. Going to wait a few more days before going on my next run. What I'm really concerned about is the amount of fitness I've lost because of my knee injury, being ill and then my back.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Redcello41]

Don't worry about lost fitness - you can build it up again gradually and comeback to be stronger than ever. It takes a little effort - but you're never starting again from scratch, you always know you can do this 😊

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks for the encouragement, I'll let you know how I get on!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Oh no RC! It’s so easily done. I remember a osteopath telling me years ago that he was in the front seat of a car and he turned around to look at his son and he did something to his back that was agonising. At least he knew how to deal with it...

I’m no expert but I would think that running would aggravate the back as it’s quite high impact for the muscles there so I probably wouldn’t run for a wee while yet, especially if you’re still in pain.

See how you are when you’re pain-free and maybe try a little run/walk test?

Sending you lots of soothing vibes and wishes for a quick recovery 🏃‍♀️🙂

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Yes I agree, I'm going to wait for a few more days and see how I get on!

[Irish-John Marathon]

I honestly wouldn't chance it RC. It wasn't washing dishes that suddenly screwed your back, it was already almost 100% compromised and some very slight movement of yours was the final straw. Having had ferociously painful lower back problems in the past, I would sincerely advise you to get a check up from a Doc who ideally knows about running/sports activities and Back problems very well.

It's a tough break, I hope it isn't too serious, best wishes man.

[Redcello41 Half Marathon]

Yes I am going to wait until my back settles down, sounds like a good idea