Since running is a high-impact exercise, those who do it day after day must take steps to protect their spine and joint health. Otherwise, they could develop serious injuries or conditions that cause permanent damage. If you think you may have already hurt your spine or joints from running, a chiropractor can assess the damage and help facilitate recovery. In the meantime, here are a few tips for protecting yourself once you start pounding the pavement again. 

3 Tips for Protecting Your Spine & Joints as a Runner

1. Wear Proper Shoes

Shoes that are ill-fitting or have inadequate padding could affect your gait. Over time, this could cause uneven wear on your joints. It could also contribute to a misaligned spine, which often causes additional complications. If you’re not sure what kinds of shoes or insoles you should be looking for, ask your chiropractor for recommendations tailored to your particular body type, training regimen, and gait. 

2. Cross Train 

Running every day can cause an overuse injury in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Even if you stop running when you notice symptoms, your body starts compensating for the damage as soon as the injury develops. Since even a subtle change in gait can affect the skeletal system, a minor overuse injury could cause significant damage if you’re not careful with your training schedules. Fortunately, by interspersing runs with other kinds of activities—such as swimming, biking, and weight lifting—you can avoid overuse injuries and strengthen your body as a whole.

3. Stretch Before & After

Stretching before a run will ensure your muscles are long and supple, so they can perform their best during every stride. This, in turn, will relieve some of the pressure on your joints. Likewise, stretching after your run will help prevent soreness and cramping, so you will not compensate during the next run due to discomfort. In other words, it can protect both your spine and joints from unnecessary stress and uneven wear. If you’re not sure how to get started, a chiropractor can show you a few simple stretches for before and after every run. 

If you think running has affected your spine or joints, turn to Get Well Family Chiropractic for diagnosis and treatment. Located in Florissant, MO, this wellness center is led by Dr. Robyn Lawrence, who has more than two decades of experience treating neck and back pain by performing spinal adjustments. When you turn to her practice, you will receive personalized, attentive, and compassionate care. To make an appointment with this chiropractor, call (314) 524-2580 or reach out online.