Running and Back Pain: Should You Stop Running?

Can Running Cause Back Pain?

Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise and offers many health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, weight management, and stress reduction. However, for some individuals, running can contribute to lower back pain.

The good news is that in many cases, back pain related to running does not mean you need to stop running completely. Instead, it may indicate an underlying issue that should be evaluated and addressed.

Why Does Running Sometimes Cause Back Pain?

Running places repetitive stress on the spine and surrounding muscles. Several factors may contribute to back pain while running:

• Poor running mechanics
• Weak core muscles
• Tight hip flexors or hamstrings
• Sudden increases in mileage or intensity
• Improper footwear
• Underlying spinal conditions

If the muscles that support the spine are weak or imbalanced, the lumbar spine (lower back) may absorb more stress during each stride.

Spine Conditions That Can Be Aggravated by Running: Certain spinal conditions may become more noticeable during running, including:

Herniated Disc: A disc bulge or rupture can irritate nearby nerves and cause back pain that may worsen with impact activities.

Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related disc changes can reduce shock absorption in the spine, leading to discomfort during high-impact exercise.

Facet Joint Arthritis: Inflammation in the small joints of the spine may cause pain during repetitive extension movements like running.

Spondylolisthesis: This occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, which can cause pain with activity.

Signs Your Back Pain Should Be Evaluated

Occasional soreness after exercise can be normal. However, you should consider medical evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent back pain that lasts more than a few weeks
• Pain that radiates into the buttocks or legs
• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• Weakness in the lower extremities
• Pain that worsens with activity

These symptoms may indicate a spinal nerve issue rather than simple muscle strain.

Can You Continue Running With Back Pain?

Many patients are able to continue running once the underlying issue is addressed. Treatment may include:

• Physical therapy to strengthen the core and stabilizing muscles
• Running form analysis and training adjustments
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Activity modification during recovery

In some cases, imaging such as MRI of the lumbar spine may be recommended to evaluate for disc or nerve issues.

Takeaway

Running is generally a healthy activity, but persistent back pain should not be ignored. Identifying the source of the pain early can help prevent worsening symptoms and allow many patients to safely return to the activities they enjoy.

If you are experiencing ongoing back pain with running, a spine evaluation may help determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Please call the office of Craig C. Callewart, MD, PA today to schedule a consultation. Our Dallas, TX office can be reached at (214) 807-0750