General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Running=Lower Back pain/tightness Rss Feed  
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2008-11-28 10:02 PM

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Expert
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Auburn AL
Subject: Running=Lower Back pain/tightness

I have been training for 2 months now and am having problems with my lower back.  As I run, my  lower back gets extremely tight ... to the point that I can hardly run.  Seems like it is a stretching issue.  I try to stretch daily and stretch my hams and back before running, but the problem still persists. 

My question is ... have any of you experienced this and will it get better with time and more stretching. 

Good note... I was able to do 5 miles today without too much discomfort, but had to stop a couple of times to grab a lightpole and stretch it out.



2008-11-28 11:26 PM
in reply to: #1829944

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Master
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Calgary, Alberta
Subject: RE: Running=Lower Back pain/tightness
Hard to diagnose exactly what is causing your tight back but one thing to consider is how good your core (abs) strength is.  Sometimes by building up a bit more core strength your back issues get resolved.
2008-11-28 11:28 PM
in reply to: #1829944

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Rockwall, Texas
Subject: RE: Running=Lower Back pain/tightness

how old are you? my dad has been running for a year or two and had pretty much this same thing happen to him. he went and saw a couple of sports specialist doctors that took x-rays and thing. there was nothing wrong that i can remember. the he went to the chiropractor and she worked some kind of magic on him or did something and he was all better. it was amazing. i say keep stretching, and go talk to your doctor, maybe a spcialist, and possibly a chiropractor. i went the chiropractor also cause of a sprained ankle a few weeks ago and now it's all better. holistic medicine is very interesting. but go do what feels right. talk to your doctor about it and go from there.  core srength may also be an issue as afore mentioned

 

my $.02 



Edited by generalee2010 2008-11-28 11:33 PM
2008-11-30 10:10 AM
in reply to: #1829944

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Subject: RE: Running=Lower Back pain/tightness

I am 43.  Really don't have any other problems except for my lower back, and it doesnt feel like any spinal issues...just my lower back is super tight.  I am hoping that excercise and stretching will help over a period of time.

Thanks

2008-11-30 2:57 PM
in reply to: #1829944

Subject: RE: Running=Lower Back pain/tightness
I'd be willing to bet that you also sit in front of a computer all day, like most of us do, and that your chair/desk set-up are not posture-friendly. That won't help the situation - I know when I was training for the marathon this summer (which I ended up not being able to run due to injury), sitting all day made my back really stiff. If you can, adjust your chair/desk/computer, etc. and make an effort to get up and stretch, walk around a little bit. It could help a little. My lower back has always been pretty inflexible (and I'm 27, so don't feel bad!), and that seems to help me, as does stretching/yoga. Also, when you're running, be mindful of your posture, ie, don't slouch when you're running, esp. as you become tired. Engage your core to keep yourself aligned, but not tense.
2013-12-01 10:08 AM
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Subject: RE: Running=Lower Back pain/tightness
I'm 38 and have been running marathons and doing Olympic tris (and longer) for the past 6 years or so. In the past year I decided it was time to do a full iron distance tri and found that my back began to tighten when I ramped up my training. I too sit at a desk all day and think that this probably plays a big role in the tightness problem. I've tried stretching but that doesn't seem to help, so I'm going to get one of those inflatable workout balls to use as a chair at work. After that we go see the chiropractor and add some core workouts to my training schedule. I'm hoping this combination helps because I'm not going to stop working out... I just have to find a way to make it bearable!

Edited by MikeDevenney 2013-12-01 10:09 AM


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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Running=Lower Back pain/tightness Rss Feed