Running is one of the exceptional aerobic conditioning for the body. However, it can be difficult for the spine, leading to lower back pain.
‘I am experiencing lower back pain after running…what shall I do?’ This is among the most common questions people ask during their visit to an osteopath or physio.
However, people live with a big misconception that feet, knees, and legs might hurt after running, but when it comes to back pain Rainham, they think that it interferes with their running.
Does that even matter? You might ask.
Of course, it matters. If you acknowledge back pain as a running injury, you can alter your running routine, leading to quicker healing. But, before we get to the healing part, let us discover what causes back pain after running.
What causes back pain after running?
- Muscle strain and overuse
For athletes engaged in strength training, muscle strain or sprain is common. Moreover, some enthusiastic runners follow cross-training– a hectic sports training.
However, such excessive exercises and too much stretching become trouble for athletes, leading to the following:
· Stiffness (reduced hip mobility)
· Pain
· Muscle spasms
A muscle overuse injury is yet another common reason for back pain Rainham after running. Overuse injury often results when runners carry excessive weight on their backs while running.
- Dehydration
If it is a hot day out there and you do not drink enough water, it will lead to dehydration. Dehydration will cause muscle spasms in the lower back, leading to pain. So, rule out dehydration by adjusting your drinking habits before you move forward with other causes.
- Weak core muscles
General deep core muscle weakness often steers back pain in runners.
Have you seen or heard of six-pack-abs? Of course, you must have seen them in fashion magazines or movies. Deep core muscles lie a great deal further below these superficial muscles– six-pack-abs.
So, people with weak core muscles have to rely on those superficial muscles while running. This increases the risk of lower back pain.
- Muscle knots or myofascial trigger points
When weak muscles are stretched, two things happen:
· They completely cramp up
· Small muscle parts cramp up, leading to little knots called trigger points
These responses materialise after 10 to 15 minutes of running. As a result, people experience moderate to severe pain, which does not subside easily.
Moreover, leaning backwards or sideways typically worsens back pain Rainham. Hence, myofascial trigger points might make it difficult to put shoes on when sitting.
- Too tight or weak paraspinal muscles
Paraspinal muscles are strong muscles located on either side of the spine and help move, twist, and bend. These muscles stretches from the hip back, along the spine, and up to the skull’s bottom.
So, if paraspinal muscles are extremely weak, tight, or both, it brings on the pain.
But what makes paraspinal muscles weak or tight?
A sudden movement or twist as well as a direct impact on the muscles, can set the pain off. It can commonly occur immediately after running. Then, the pain extends from both sides of the spine, and the muscles seem locked up. It is often severe.
- Hamstring injury
Tendons at the back of the thighs that connect bone to the large thigh muscle are called hamstrings. Hamstring injury usually causes posterior knee pain.
However, researchers have shown that hamstring strength is crucial for back muscle strength.
- Stress fracture
Stress fractures of the bones in the lower back, even if uncommon, can cause lower back discomfort during running. These fractures are caused by repeated stress on the joint.
In most situations, stress fractures are recognised by the presence of inflammation, pain, and tenderness in the affected area.
What is the best treatment for lower back pain after running?
Treatment for lower back pain will range from non-operative conservative therapy to surgical surgery.
The therapy aims are to alleviate pain, minimise or avoid disc or spinal nerve stress, and preserve normal function. However, before recommending surgical operations, doctors typically recommend more conservative therapies to manage symptoms.
The best method to treat back pain is Osteopathy Maidstone.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a medical diagnostic and treatment system that focuses on your body’s overall structure and function.
It is established on the premise that your whole health and well-being are dependent on the proper functioning of your bones, ligaments, muscles, and connective tissues.
How do Osteopaths treat lower back pain?
An osteopath Rainham uses various techniques to treat lower back pain.
Your first visit to an osteopath includes a thorough questioning from the osteopath regarding your overall health, body problems, and symptoms. Then, they will conduct a physical examination to identify the cause of the problem.
Next, they will plan out your treatment methods according to your medical condition. However, if your condition is severe, they will refer you to the GP for further assessment.
Some of the techniques an osteopath Rainham uses are:
- Massage: They apply pressure to your tissues and massage them to reduce tension and pain
- Joint mobilisation: They use gentle articulation and manipulation to enhance joint mobility and range
- Spinal manipulation: Also known as osteopathic manipulation, it is a type of manual treatment used to enhance mobility. It is a quick, sharp thrust action that releases pressure inside joints and hence increases mobility.
- Lifestyle advice: Apart from all the treatments, an osteopath will also give lifestyle advice. For example, sleeping and sitting advice, specific exercises, posture practices, weight modifications, and other habit improvisation.
What are the benefits of consulting an osteopath?
- Enhanced muscle strength and mobility
- Avoid future injuries when you follow their advice
- Treatment of core problem and not just injury
- No use of medications and natural healing therapy
- Faster rehabilitation
- Help your body heal itself with a holistic healing approach
Final thoughts!
Lower back pain usually results from running with inappropriate postures and over-exercising.So, if you are experiencing lower back pain during or after running, contact Osteopath Rainham. The manual techniques in osteopathy will refine how your back works and relieve pain.
