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If you like to break a sweat in your running shoes, you know just how rewarding jogging can be. However, once the endorphins fade, back pain can have you wishing you had stayed inside. If you’re trying to figure out what’s causing the discomfort and how to avoid it, consider the guide below.

A Brief Guide to Back Pain in Runners

Symptoms 

While back pain is a symptom in and of itself, you can learn more about the cause of the discomfort by taking a closer look at the pain. For example, if you feel a sharp pain on either side of your back when twisting your torso or have a muscle spasm as you move, the problem likely lies in the muscles. If you feel an all-over ache in your back, you might be experiencing a bone problem, such as arthritis. If the pain intensifies when leaning forward and radiates down the legs, you could be experiencing a slipped or damaged disc.

Causes & Treatment 

back painIf you run, back pain is usually not caused by a sedentary lifestyle or triggered by aging alone. In most cases, it’s a muscle-related issue that is exacerbated by the exercise regimen. For example, you may be dealing with an overuse injury caused by frequent marathon training. If you’re not doing any strength training to supplement the cardio, your abs, glutes and hamstrings might be too weak, leaving the workload to your back muscles. In other cases, you may have an acute injury, such as a fall or accident, that resulted in a slipped disc.

To ensure you don’t have a discogenic problem, a back specialist can conduct an X-ray to assess the condition of the spine. They may also be able to offer an arthritis diagnosis, which can be alleviated with pain management techniques and lifestyle changes. If the muscles in your back are to blame, they may provide some stretching or strengthening exercises to bring everything back into balance. A specialist may also suggest massage therapy or foam rolling for relieving tension after a run. If you have a slipped or bulging disc, you may be given back injections to manage the pain while long-term management solutions or surgery are considered.

Prevention

One of the best ways to prevent injuries when running is to ensure your body is strong enough to withstand the regular impact. By strengthening your abs and leg muscles with exercises like planks, your back will have the support it needs to pull through. It’s also essential to use the proper form when running, so the spine is aligned and there is no unnecessary pressure on the vertebrae and discs. By finding supportive sneakers and stretching before and after a workout, you can prevent the need for chronic back pain management.

 

If you’re dealing with back pain, reach out to the trusted specialists at iSpine Pain Physicians. With locations in Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Chaska, Shakopee, Sartell and Delano, MN, you can work with a back specialist when and where it’s best for you. With their back injections and chronic pain management techniques, you can look forward to lacing up and getting back on the trail again. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (763) 201-8191 to schedule an appointment.

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