Safely Returning to Running After a Low Back Injury: Strategies for a Strong Comeback

Your nervous system, including your spinal cord and peripheral nerves, is a continuous and mobile structure. Think of it like a long cable that runs from your brain to your toes. It is designed to move and glide through muscles, joints, and other tissues as your body moves. But under certain conditions - such as after an injury, inflammation, or postural stress - nerves can lose some of that mobility. This loss of mobility is referred to as neural tension or nerve tension . When this happens, the nerve doesn't slide smoothly through surrounding tissues. Instead, it may become sensitive, irritate, or restricted, particularly during movements that stretch or put tension on it.

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Running is a fantastic form of cardiovascular exercise that offers numerous health benefits. However, for some individuals, the joy of running can be hindered by back pain. As an evidence-based chiropractor, I'm here to share strategies rooted in scientific validation to help you manage and prevent back pain while running. Let's explore evidence-based approaches that can keep you on the track and pain-free.  Proper Warm-Up and Stretching: Evidence consistently supports the importance of a proper warm-up before engaging in physical activity. Dynamic stretching, such as leg swings and hip circles, can help prepare your muscles and joints for the demands of running. Additionally, incorporating static stretches post-run may improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension. Strengthen Core Muscles: A strong core is crucial for maintaining proper posture and stability while running. Evidence-based chiropractors often recommend exercises that target the core muscles, including planks, bridges, and rotational exercises. A strong core provides support to the spine, reducing the risk of back pain. Gradual Increase in Intensity: Rapidly increasing the intensity or duration of your runs can contribute to back pain. Evidence suggests that a gradual and progressive approach to training allows your muscles and joints to adapt, reducing the risk of overuse injuries. Listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard, especially if you're a beginner or returning after a hiatus. Footwear Assessment: The shoes you wear while running can impact your biomechanics and, consequently, your back health. Evidence-based chiropractors often recommend getting a professional assessment to determine the right type of running shoes for your foot structure and gait. Proper footwear can provide support and reduce the impact on your spine. Maintain Proper Running Form: Evidence supports the idea that maintaining proper running form can significantly impact injury prevention. Focus on a relaxed posture, avoid overstriding, and ensure your foot strikes the ground in alignment with your body. If you're unsure about your form, consider consulting with a running coach or biomechanics expert. Cross-Training and Strength Training: Engaging in cross-training activities and strength training exercises can complement your running routine. Evidence indicates that incorporating activities like swimming, cycling, or weightlifting can improve overall muscle balance and reduce the repetitive impact on your spine during running. Incorporate Recovery Strategies: Evidence-based chiropractors emphasize the importance of recovery in preventing back pain. Adequate rest, proper hydration, and techniques such as foam rolling can help alleviate muscle tension and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Prioritize rest days and listen to your body's signals for recovery needs. Seek Professional Guidance: If you're experiencing persistent or worsening back pain while running, seeking professional guidance is crucial. Evidence-based chiropractors can conduct a thorough assessment to identify the underlying causes and develop a personalized treatment plan. This may include spinal adjustments, rehabilitative exercises, and lifestyle recommendations. Running should be an enjoyable and pain-free activity. By incorporating evidence-based strategies into your routine, you can manage and prevent back pain, allowing you to fully experience the physical and mental benefits of running. Whether it's focusing on proper warm-up, strengthening core muscles, or seeking professional guidance, these evidence-based approaches will support your journey to a pain-free and fulfilling running experience. Remember, your health and well-being are paramount, so listen to your body and make informed choices to ensure a sustainable and enjoyable running routine.

Low back pain is a prevalent condition that can significantly impact daily life, and understanding its root causes is essential for effective treatment. As an evidence-based chiropractor, my approach involves pinpointing the specific factors contributing to low back pain through thorough assessment and scientific validation. In this blog post, I'll shed light on several common causes of low back pain from the perspective of evidence-based chiropractic care. Muscle Strain and Sprains: One of the most frequent causes of low back pain is muscle strain or sprain. This often occurs due to sudden movements, lifting heavy objects with improper technique, or engaging in activities that put excessive stress on the lower back muscles. Evidence-based chiropractors focus on addressing muscle imbalances and providing rehabilitation exercises to alleviate strain. Herniated Discs: Disc herniation, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, can cause low back pain when the inner, gel-like material of a spinal disc leaks out and irritates nearby nerves. Evidence-based chiropractic care may include spinal adjustments to alleviate pressure on the affected disc and promote natural healing. Degenerative Disc Disease: As we age, the discs between our vertebrae can undergo wear and tear, a condition known as degenerative disc disease. This process may lead to inflammation, reduced disc height, and nerve irritation, resulting in low back pain. Evidence-based chiropractic interventions aim to manage symptoms and improve overall spinal health. Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back and legs. Evidence-based chiropractors focus on non-invasive approaches, such as spinal adjustments and exercise programs, to manage symptoms and enhance mobility. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: The sacroiliac joints, located where the spine and pelvis meet, can become dysfunctional, leading to low back pain. Evidence-based chiropractors employ specific adjustments and mobilizations to address sacroiliac joint issues and restore proper alignment, helping alleviate pain and improve function. Strain from Repetitive Movements: Individuals who engage in repetitive movements or activities, such as bending, lifting, or twisting, may develop strain on the lower back muscles. Evidence-based chiropractic care involves identifying these repetitive stressors and providing targeted exercises to strengthen and support the affected areas. Inactivity and Weak Core Muscles: Sedentary lifestyles and weak core muscles are common contributors to low back pain. Evidence-based chiropractors emphasize the importance of regular exercise, with a focus on strengthening core muscles to provide stability and support to the spine. Conclusion: Low back pain is a multifaceted condition with various potential causes, and an evidence-based chiropractor employs a meticulous approach to identify and address these factors. Whether it's muscle strain, herniated discs, poor posture, or other contributing factors, evidence-based chiropractic care is centered on personalized treatment plans, incorporating spinal adjustments, rehabilitative exercises, and lifestyle recommendations. If you're experiencing low back pain, seeking the guidance of an evidence-based chiropractor can lead to a comprehensive understanding of your condition and effective strategies for pain relief and improved spinal health.