Running and Back Pain

How running causes back pain

• Back muscles work to keep the body upright and in good posture during the duration of the run

• Joints and discs are jarred and compressed by the force of the body leaving the ground and landing on every stride when running or jogging

In This Article:
• Sport Injuries, Back Injuries, and Back Pain
• Bicycling and Back Pain
• Bodybuilding, Weightlifting and Back Pain
• Golf and Back Pain
• Running and Back Pain
• Skiing and Back Pain
• Swimming and Back Pain
• Tennis and Back Pain

Preventing back pain and sports injuries from running

• Wear top-quality cushioned running shoes

• Run on softer surfaces (grass or padded track)

• Do more frequent but shorter runs as opposed to marathon running

• Use form that reduces the "up and down" stride motion and focuses on forward motion while running; lead with the chest, keeping the head tall and balanced over the chest

• Maintain strong abdominal muscles to help stabilize the lower back while running

• Article written By:
• Thomas E. Hyde, DC

July 20, 2000

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