Back pain and working out

[Anonymous]

I used to be an avid runner, ran marathons, half marathons and did some light weights/strength exercises on a regular basis. I've always had some sort of lower back problem (an MRI showed some fluid leakage several years ago?) and I'd have to address running cautiously. I had a baby about a year ago, and was initially good about staying fit, but after some major life changes, stopped working out for several months.

My back pain has come back in the last month very severely. I used to have maybe one debilitating episode a year. I've had about 3 this month.I think this is partially due to not working out as much and having weaker core strength. I have no idea how to get back on track. I'm not having weight issues (I'm generally small), but definitely have strength issues. I also started a very stressful career which makes it difficult for me to make yoga classes, etc. I would really just love to get back to running and some planks/push ups but am terrified.

I went for a run a few days ago, not far, maybe a mile or two, and this morning, again, my back signaled that it was done. Now I'm trying to keep up with a one year old and my back is not cooperating. Anyone have any experience with this?

[Anonymous]

OP here. Honestly, I'm trying to remember the diagnosis. I was fine for almost a year after that so I never followed up. Ugh.

[Anonymous]

OP, go to a doctor and at least make sure there's nothing going on (like the leakage thing).

Other than that, I used to have some back pain when I went running, but then I started doing about 10-15 minutes of core work before running, and it's made all of the difference.

I think the key is to engage the core muscles right before the run.

But given your past diagnosis, I would definitely see a doctor/specialist before doing any high impact exercise. Perhaps do workouts on the elliptical until you rule out any serious medical issue with your back.

[Anonymous]

Go to an orthopedist and get it looked it. I have a bulging disc in my back. Sounds like maybe you had a ruptured one, or other issue?

In any case, what they will almost certainly give you is a prescription for physical therapy. I"m not sure if you've ever done it before, but for me it was an hour three times a week for a few months that included about 20-25 minutes of massage and then some exercises largely designed to strengthen the glutes and the core. I should be doing the exercises still but have slacked off, though my personal trainer makes sure those areas get enough work.

It's a huge time suck but very worth it. It definitely helped me a lot. I have always had issues, like you, and basically it got so bad I couldn't play tennis or run. A few months later I was back doing both.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go to an orthopedist and get it looked it. I have a bulging disc in my back. Sounds like maybe you had a ruptured one, or other issue?

In any case, what they will almost certainly give you is a prescription for physical therapy. I"m not sure if you've ever done it before, but for me it was an hour three times a week for a few months that included about 20-25 minutes of massage and then some exercises largely designed to strengthen the glutes and the core. I should be doing the exercises still but have slacked off, though my personal trainer makes sure those areas get enough work.

It's a huge time suck but very worth it. It definitely helped me a lot. I have always had issues, like you, and basically it got so bad I couldn't play tennis or run. A few months later I was back doing both.

yes, see a Dr and do some PT. A PT will give oyu exercises to strengthen you core, back and surrounding areas.

[Anonymous]

I'd second the comments about a doctor. I think none of us want to recommend any jarring or twisting activity that would make things worse.

I had that shooting pain like I had 'twisted something' or 'slept funny' a couple times a year but since I lost a lot of weight and started walking it hasn't come back in the last 18 months. You might ask the doctor about walking as an exercise as it might be less impact on your body in its current state.