Running puts repetitive stress on the spine for a significant duration of time. While many runners do experience back pain, particularly lower back pain, this pain is not normal and in absence of a pre-existing spine condition, it can also be avoided to a great extent.
Three Types of Common Lower Back Pain
There are three types of common lower back pain, and those are bone-related pain, muscle-related pain, and disk-related pain.
Bone-related pain is most common in older individuals. The symptoms of bone-related pain are general achiness throughout the entire lower back region. In patients older than 65, bone-related pain is most likely due to arthritic back pain. A person with arthritic back pain has bones that rub together due to the wearing down of the cushion between the bones.
Muscle-related spine pain can occur on either side of the lower back. If you are having spasms or feel pain on only one side of your spine, you are most likely dealing with muscle-related pain.
Disk-related pain is the most serious and should be treated right away. The symptoms of disk-related pain include having pain that worsens when you bend forward or pain that shoots down your legs.
Understanding spine-related pain can be overwhelming and confusing. Our Spine Specialists are committed to quality communication and taking all of the time necessary to explain the diagnosis and treatment plan to the patient. We also welcome and encourage asking questions and will make time for those as well. At Stridewell, you will never feel like a number, and you will never be rushed through your appointment! Stridewell Tips
Causes of Lower Back Pain
Experiencing back pain due to running that does not go away is not normal. Of the three types of common lower back pain discussed, muscle-related back pain is the very most common. When a person has muscle-related back pain, this is mostly likely due to a weakness in core muscles, hips, glutes, or hamstrings. When any of these muscle groups are not strong, your back must work harder to overcompensate for the weakness. In turn, too much stress is put on the spine and this leads to pain or an injury.
As previously detailed, bone-related pain is most likely due to arthritis and disk-related pain is caused by a bulging or slipped spinal disk. If you experience either of these two, you will need to seek treatment immediately.
Treatment Options For Lower Back Pain
If you are a runner who is experiencing muscle-related or bone-related lower back pain, physical therapy or performing targeted strengthening exercises may be the most effective for finding relief. Further, you can also use a foam roller on your back and hamstrings. The goal is to loosen up tight muscles. The foam roller can provide a deep tissue massage that you can perform yourself, even in the comfort of your own home!
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