Regular physical activity is the best way to keep your body in shape and make sure you’re staying in peak physical condition. Running is certainly no exception to this rule.
However, chronic back pain is relatively common for people who run regularly. It is often caused by overexertion, improper form, or running on irregular pavements or without proper running shoes.
The good news is you can do several things to prevent this chronic pain or manage the symptoms once they arrive. But how can you continue with your regular routine if you’re dealing with pain?
The answer is: you can’t. Pain is a sign that something needs to be fixed, and you’re going to have to make some adjustments to the way you’re exercising to prevent further injury. Check out our tips below to get the most of your runs with less chronic pain.
1. Seek Physical Therapy
Physical therapy might be necessary if you’re already experiencing chronic back pain due to your habitual running routine. It’s a great resource that can help you manage the symptoms and return to being comfortable in your own body.
Programs with a foundation in results based physical therapy come highly recommended by athletes and medical professionals alike for treating chronic pain. If you prefer pain management solutions that don’t use medication, these programs are definitely worth looking into.
2. Improve Your Form
Running regularly is supposed to be a good way to keep your body healthy. But if you’re running incorrectly over and over, day in and day out, it can actually do more harm than good.
That’s why it’s important to make sure your form is correct and you’re following all the recommended guidelines when running or engaging in any other form of physical activity.
If you’re not sure how to run safely, you can book a session with a personal trainer to work on your form. They help you practice your form and offer tips like how to avoid cramping and diet.
3. Stretch Before You Run
Oftentimes, we get so eager to start running and getting on with our exercise routine that we forget the most important step: stretching. You should always make an effort to do at least a few basic stretches before going on a run to help protect your muscles from strain and overexertion.
If you don’t know how to stretch before a run properly, this is also something a personal trainer can help you with, or you can find a tutorial online.
4. Diversify Your Workout Routine
Another way to keep chronic back pain at bay is to change up your exercise routine a bit. Instead of running every day, you can throw in some low-impact workout routines, like restorative yoga, that will allow your body to recover a bit and take care of its needs in between intense runs.
You may also want to consider biking or the elliptical as a cardio alternative.
Conclusion
Chronic back pain is an ailment that affects many people who run for exercise regularly. It’s natural and completely normal. However, that doesn’t mean you should continue with your current routine.
We recommend making some of these easy changes, like stretching and concentrating on improved form. You may even want to see a professional, like a personal trainer or physical therapist, for expert tips and personalized care. No matter which tips you try, do not ignore the pain. Instead, consider these four strategies as investments in your longevity as a runner and try them today!