If you run regularly to keep your body and mind strong, you may experience back pain periodically. Some runners even deal with chronic pain. Here, learn why this ache occurs and what you can do to enjoy more successful runs.

Why Is Back Pain a Common Issue for Runners?

Running involves repetitive motions that stress the joints, muscles, and tendons, including those in the lower back. Issues such as vertebral irregularities in the spine increase back pain, as do problems with the sacroiliac joints. The joints contribute to functional gait while you run, and exacerbate pain in the lower back when they become stiff.

Discogenic pain from a bulging spinal disc or similar issue causes discomfort that increases when you bend over and can include shooting pain in your legs.

If low back pain is muscle-related, you’ll feel it on either side of your spine. This will worsen when you engage in twisting motions. It is typically caused by your muscles trying to overcompensate for lack of support from weak abdominals, glutes, hamstrings, and hips.

How to Prevent Back Pain

Keep your running sessions pain-free by performing strength training exercises that target the abdominals, glutes, and hamstrings as well as the back muscles. The stronger these muscles become, the more support they provide.

Always warm your muscles and joints up before you run, and wear supportive shoes with thick cushions that absorb some of the impact, especially if you train on concrete or asphalt.

If you experience muscle-related back pain, take one or two days off and use hot and cold therapy to relax the muscles and numb the pain, respectively. Over-the-counter pain medications also provide relief.

You should also see a chiropractor for a readjustment, especially if the pain stems from your spine. This will help prevent you from favoring one side or the other during runs, which can contribute to injuries and further pain. Additionally, by manipulating your body, they relax your joints and help increase your range of motion.

Seeking relief from running-related low back pain? Turn to Alpha and Omega Chiropractor, the chiropractic care center serving Ruidoso, NM, since 2006. Call the licensed and board-certified chiropractors today at (575) 258-5999 to make an appointment, or learn more about services online. Get the latest wellness tips on Facebook.