How Runners Can Avoid Back Pain
Are you an avid runner who suffers from back pain? Many people find that lower back pain can be amplified by running. Running involves repeated stress and impact on your joints, and it’s important to learn how to avoid pain and recognize when to seek treatment.
Loosen Up and Stretch
There is a high level of stress that running places on your lower back. It’s important to warm-up before your run to get your muscles moving and then stretch them out before running any distance. Try stretching during the day to keep yourself limber. Focus on stretching your hamstrings at least twice daily to minimize stress on your lower back.
Don’t Forget to Cross-Train
Cross training is helpful because it allows you to participate in different exercise activities to avoid overuse of one group of muscles. Work your body evenly by adding other elements besides running to your routine. Give weightlifting a shot a few days a week. Or swap out running for biking at least once a week. This will allow your body to strengthen different muscle groups.
Pay Attention to Your Shoes
Make sure you are wearing comfortable, supportive shoes when running and replace them regularly. Athletic shoe company ASICS recommends getting new running shoes every 450-550 miles. For people with unstable feet, shoes that don’t provide you with the proper support can further heighten the back pain you experience. Lack of support cause stress and strain on joints. Make sure to purchase shoes with adequate support and laces you can adjust to your liking. Inserts or insoles can provide extra support when necessary.
If your back pain prevents you from running or exercising the way you want to, it may be time to visit a chiropractor.
Our chiropractic team of wellness doctors, Vasili Gatsinaris, DC, QME, James Kim, DC, Adam Abulghualya, DC, BS, ART and Caprice Leonard, MA, ATC specialize in chiropractic and wellness care. Our Irvine chiropractic office is located near John Wayne Airport, convenient for people living in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Santa Ana and other surrounding Orange County communities.
Let our Orange County chiropractic team make a plan and treat your injury so that you are not restricted from your active lifestyle. To learn more about our variety of services or to schedule an appointment, take advantage of our Facebook new patient special and contact us or call 949-263-9003 today.