Running causing back pain?

Hey everyone. I've been working out for a few months now (mostly cardio on a treadmill, and some weight lifting). The thing is, since I started exercising again my back has been KILLING me. The pain is mostly in my lower back and something as simple as standing hurts. When I run, I tend to hunch forward, but when I try to keep my back straight while running it hurts even more. I played football all through high school so I'd like to think I'm no stranger to running/running form, but apparently I'm doing something wrong. Anyone have any links that demonstrate good running form? Or any tips on how I can relieve some of my back pain? Thanks.

Hmmm...posture may be a culprit. While running most people don't pay attention to their posture. Are you closing your hands into fists? Are you keeping your shoulders loose but not hanging there? Tightening your hands locks up your upper body and will make your whole stride suffer. I don't believe you need to be as straight as a brick wall here, but you want to keep everything aligned.

I once had a big back pain while running and it was because I was both leaning forward a little and running too quickly for my fitness level.

What I can recommend is trying to strengthen your lower back muscles. "Supermans" and hyperextensions. Maybe a foam roller?

Thank you! Yes, I do make fists when I run. Tight fists depending on how hand I'm running. I try to stretch my back out a little everyday (I do a little Yoga here and there), but once I start my new training program (P90X) I think I should be fine. Thanks for the advice!

Actually the opposite is true for me.  I thought this was true but then I realized it was my bad posture sitting at the computer longer on this damn website! lol

I have bad lower back pain had to have MRI done and nothing.  Running actually helps stretch my lower back out.  Try doing some yoga moves too that has really helped me

 You'd also want to visit a specialty running store if you can find one in your area and have them analyse your gait and pick out the right shoes for you - if you have too much or too little ankle support, shoes for pronators when you supinate, or any other little ways in which your foot gear can be wrong, your whole stride can get thrown off over time, leading to all sorts of not-enjoyable problems.

 For occacional runs you can get away with not-optimal shoes, but if you're going to make a regular habit of it, your single best investment in injury prevention is to get the right shoes - your whole body will thank you :)
 

Original Post by melkor:

 You'd also want to visit a specialty running store if you can find one in your area and have them analyse your gait and pick out the right shoes for you - if you have too much or too little ankle support, shoes for pronators when you supinate, or any other little ways in which your foot gear can be wrong, your whole stride can get thrown off over time, leading to all sorts of not-enjoyable problems.

 For occacional runs you can get away with not-optimal shoes, but if you're going to make a regular habit of it, your single best investment in injury prevention is to get the right shoes - your whole body will thank you :)
 

Maybe that's the problem. I purchased walking shoes (because when I started counting, I planed to just walk, which quickly turned into jogging, now running) so maybe I should invest in a nice pair of RUNNING shoes, lol.