Back problems while running

Hello guys, I am 5'9" and 223 lbs. I run about 30 mins every other day(2-2.5 miles) and my back has been bothering me. Around the 20th minute, i start to feel back pain. I mean, I do my leg stretches and upper body stretches but my back keeps hurting while I run. It can be my weight, or the way I stretch isn't adequate. Can anyone suggest what it can be and what I can do about it? Will an "adjustable waist trimmer" do the trick. It can relieve minor strains and weak back problems as well? Thank you very much.

Many reasons can cause back pain. You list some possibilities but you might be overlooking your running shoes. Did you have your running shoes fitted for your feet?

I mention shoes because your pain appears after about 20 minutes of running and good shoes should absorb a lot of shock waves that would otherwise go through your body.

If these symptoms continues, you should really see a doctor...

Well, I am running on Nike shox. They are mid-top basketball shoes but I believe they are comfortable to run in. Should I buy new ones??

I would not buy new ones but take the shoes to an orthopaedic, doctor or a store that provides feet/shoes analysis. Maybe it is just a matter of adding an insole in your shoes.

Although Nike Shox are good shoes, it doesn't mean the shoes are perfect for your feet, posture etc.

Hi. Your back problems could definitely be your shoes. Running shoes are running shoes. Period. Basketball shoes have different support than what you need for running. i think Patrick is right - go to a reputable running store and have your gait analyzed. Some stores will let you try the shoes on a treadmill to make sure they are ok. If they're not, they will work with you to find the right ones. 

My roommate who is a running fanatic bought a pair of shox because she thought spending $100+ on a well known sneaker that was cute should do the job. But she went out and bought a new pair only after a few days because she said it wasn't that they were only uncomfortable but she could tell that problems would arise if she continued to where them. So maybe it is the shoes, too bad though because they are stylish and I wanted a pair...lol

I could be considered a running fanatic.  I run 2 marathons a year.  I used to have lower back pain also.  I used to be around 200 pounds and 5'9".  Now I'm 185 pounds and I no longer have back pain.  So weight could be one thing causing your back pain.  Also your running posture could also cause back pain.  One advise is to " RUN TALL " try not to slouch.  The shoe issue was already addressed in this thread. 

Good Luck with your running. 

 

 

In addition to the shoes consider your posture and core strength.  I used to get lower back pain just walking for a couple hours (like around amusement parks)  But, once I gained strength in my core I was able to maintain good posture and the back pain disappeared.

my first thought when i saw the topic was "shoes."

more expensive doesn't mean better for you (and basketball shoes for running makes no sense whatsoever.  basketball shoes are designed for preventing injuries when pivoting and jumping; the running part of the game is secondary).

getting a stride analysis is the best way to go.  if you have a old pair of running shoes (that you've actually run in) you can get an analysis of the wear pattern of your shoes.  you probably can't do any of this at the mall, but a good running store should be able to help you.

funny... my first thought was "what kind of pain"

is it muscle pain or joint pain?  where in your back does it hurt (upper, lower, middle, toward the spine or away?) and when (only during a run, during and after, only after)?

How long have you been running?

generally, mid-back muscle pain *after* running is due to a lack of core strength.  watch your posture when you run.  do you lean to one side or hunch forward as you get tired (you know, around the 20 minute mark?)  Don't - your back should be relatively straight with your shoulders well away from your ears.

Try to minimize bouncing when you run- keep your hips level and stride forward instead of hopping up.  Make sure your whole foot contacts the ground at each stride (not at the same time, but don't bounce on your toes or slam down flat-footed)

And do go to a good running store and try on about a billion pairs of shoes.  Then go buy the perfect shoes... online where they're cheaper.  Sometimes if your shoes aren't big enough your posture can be affected, even, because as you run your foot spreads somewhat- again, around teh 20 minute mark?  You should have plenty of room around your toes, but no slip at the heel.

And yeah, losing weight helps with minimizing running pain.

I agree with checking on running shoes, and I especially agree with bat's advice to 'run tall.'  I am about 30 lbs overweight and most of my weight is above the waist, and I have lower back pain when I run often.  It has subsided a little since I've gotten in better shape from the other exercising I do.  But I tend to lean forward when I run so I've been paying attention to that as well.