Yoga Posturas » Learn Yoga » Advice on low back pain, part II

Advice on low back pain, part II

Question:

If you have a compressed disk it is safer not to run as running is jarring. If you must run, run lightly with smaller steps, avoid bobbing up and down. If you back acts up then ease up and rest. Learn yoga especially those postures for backache. If your body is telling you running is not for you there are many other activities that gives you as much pleasure. Skating is really fun without all that jarring, you can go faster and also get aerobic. Swimming is good as water supports the weight of your body. Or just fast walking ? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –    I posted a few montths ago regarding low back pain.  SInce then I’ve had my low back x-rayed, been to the doctor, the chiropractor and seeral trips to the physical therapist. The chiropractor who x-rayed it said I have a compressed disk between l5 and s1.  I’ve been doing back exercises for three months now.  My quesion is:  given that I haven’t done any running at all for all that time, though I’ve been dong a lot of walking up and down hill to my current job since Oct 30, how can I tell if it’s safe to start running again, or will it ever be safe to start running again, or do compressed disks just stay compressed? I’mnot having sciatica pain like I was but I’m afrid that if I run at all, it will just bring it back, since occasionally it still shows up. ANy advice/eperience?  Thanks. Ken

Response:

   I posted a few montths ago regarding low back pain.  SInce then I’ve had my low back x-rayed, been to the doctor, the chiropractor and seeral trips to the physical therapist. The chiropractor who x-rayed it said I have a compressed disk between l5 and s1.  I’ve been doing back exercises for three months now.  My quesion is:  given that I haven’t done any running at all for all that time, though I’ve been dong a lot of walking up and down hill to my current job since Oct 30, how can I tell if it’s safe to start running again, or will it ever be safe to start running again, or do compressed disks just stay compressed? I’mnot having sciatica pain like I was but I’m afrid that if I run at all, it will just bring it back, since occasionally it still shows up. ANy advice/eperience?  Thanks. Ken

Response:

   I posted a few montths ago regarding low back pain.  SInce then I’ve had my low back x-rayed, been to the doctor, the chiropractor and seeral trips to the physical therapist. The chiropractor who x-rayed it said I have a compressed disk between l5 and s1.  I’ve been doing back exercises for three months now.  My quesion is:  given that I haven’t done any running at all for all that time, though I’ve been dong a lot of walking up and down hill to my current job since Oct 30, how can I tell if it’s safe to start running again, or will it ever be safe to start running again, or do compressed disks just stay compressed? I’mnot having sciatica pain like I was but I’m afrid that if I run at all, it will just bring it back, since occasionally it still shows up. ANy advice/eperience?  Thanks.

A couple years ago I had a herniated disk that was causing back pain and sciatica in my left leg.  I think a herniated disk is about the same as a compressed disk.  Anyway, I stopped running for about 6 weeks until the back pain and sciatica were gone.  Then I resumed running, slowly building back up to my previous distances and speeds.  Since then I’ve used weights to strengthen the muscles in the back and abdomen, and I haven’t had any further problem with back pain or sciatica. I think disks get compressed (or herniated) because the spongy material in there dries out with age.  Not much you can do about that, but if you keep the surrounding muscles strong, you should be able to minimize the negative effects and pretty much eliminate the pain without having to give up your running.  Probably the best policy, though, is to go see a sports medicine specialist and get his/her "blessing" on your running plans. — JB

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