12
March
2021
|
04:04 AM
America/New_York

Why You Can Get Lower Back Pain When Running

TheHealthy discusses why runners can get lower back pain, how to prevent it and options for treatment according to experts including HSS sports medicine physician Jordan D. Metzl, MD.

All of that pounding the pavement may cause strains or sprains to the muscles in your back, damaged discs, nerve pain such as sciatica, or arthritis-related aching, explained Dr. Metzl. “Smaller strides will reposition your posture so that your foot strikes under your body, not in front, and this will better absorb the impact of that force,” he said. Dr. Metzl advised to seek a gait evaluation from a physical therapist, biomechanical specialist, or kinesiologist.

Strengthening the core can also stave off sprains and strains in your lower back. Core muscles in the pelvis, lower back, hips, and abdomen all work together to support the spine and help better absorb that GRF [ground reaction force], cited Dr. Metzl. This is why runners who have weaker core muscles may be more likely to develop back pain. “Work with a physical therapist to design a core-strengthening regimen that works best for you,” he suggested.

Read the full article at Thehealthy.com.