Lower back pain is a common complaint among runners. Exercise is essential to maintain the integrity of the musculoskeletal system, and running is a good way of exercising, but it still comes with its own set of issues that athletes need to know how to handle. At the Carrollton chiropractic office of Dr. Peter Lazarnick (Dr. Pete), we provide several non-invasive, non-addictive treatments for people suffering lower back pain, but we also value preventive care and want to help athletes return to their passions as soon as possible. There are often some simple changes runners can make to reduce their discomfort as well as their risk for long-term damage.
When we run, our lumbar vertebrae are swaying side to side. Stresses on the lumbar vertebrae’s facet joints as well as the spongy discs in between them can accumulate into joint degradation. This could lead to radiating pain if a swollen joint compresses the root of a sciatic nerve, but it would more commonly just result in localized soreness. If a person’s facet joints degenerate, they will be at greater risk for spondylolisthesis, which is when a vertebra body sips forward. If a person experiences the shocking pain through the legs that characterize sciatica, they should seek spinal care and refrain from running until then.
Reducing the rate of wear-and-tear development requires a person to improve the strength of their core muscles and their flexibility. Not all core-strengthening exercises are appropriate for someone who has already incurred back injuries, but with the consultation of a coach, most people are able to do planks, pilates, and light weightlifting. The hamstrings do not directly attach to the vertebral column, but they do attach to the pelvis, and stretching them will reduce strain on it. Runners should also take care that they engage in a wide variety of exercises instead of running everyday, and that they replace their shoes regularly enough to be confident that their feet are being properly supported.
Dr. Peter Lazarnick is located at 486 Bankhead Hwy, Carrollton, Georgia, 30117. To schedule an appointment, call 770-832-2226 or visit www.askdrpete.com.