Working out with lower back pains?? Stop or Keep Going?

[Rainbowstarain]

Hey I started experiencing lower back pains. The pain is not too bad. I work out with P90X 6 to 7 times a weeks, some weekends I have been substituting running for 4.5-6.5 miles instead of kenpo. I am thinking that this is coming from running, since I just recently starting substituting my workouts. My questions is, is it safe to keep running with this pain? Or can I still do my regular workouts and the pain will go away on it's own? I have been doing P90X for about a month now.  I have done this workout in the past for a longer period and did not have lower back pain? Should I take a break?? What to do?

I am reading that it may be good to keep running with lower back pain in medical articles, but I am doing other things in addition to running as well.

[eborgard]

Lower back pain can be caused by many things, but the most common cause of lower back pain is a result of having a weak core.  I experienced lower back pain last year.  When my core got stronger, my back pain went away.

[BWD72 · Accepted solution]

The safest option is to have your back evaluated by a medical provider.  The reality is that LBP has a myriad of causes, and you really need a proper diagnosis.  This doesn't mean you need a bunch of expensive tests, just that you have someone with a proper skillset evaluate you.  If it is simple subluxation and associated muscle strain due to a weak core, then there are lots of good rehab exercises to do and running might be off the menu for just a week or so.  If it is something less expected, such as a disk problem or a significant lumbar sprain, you may need to focus on other rehab therapies for a number of weeks before an impact activity like running is a good option.

Again, the only way to know is to be evaluated.

-BWD.

[DJC_63]

I agree about seeing a Dr. Yes, if your core is weak your back is more likely to hurt, but after looking at your workouts I doubt you have a very weak core. I had back pain that kept getting worse, and neither my regular Dr. or my Chiropractor thought it was serious. I kept working out, doing Pilates, the elliptical, and it got so bad that I couldn't sit at my desk at work for more than a few hours. When I FINALLY got a referral to a pain specialist they did an MRI and told me it was surprising that I was still walking. I had a herniated (torn) disc and it was bulging out and pressing on my sciatic nerve. I ended up having to have surgery. If I had an MRI sooner it probably wouldn't have gotten so bad.

Hopefully yours is something simple, maybe even stretching will help.  Most of the time it is just tight muscles.  BUT if the pain doesn't go away be sure to keep pressing your doctor for a solution.  Also, these days any good Dr. will tell you to keep moving if you have back pain - it stimulates the spinal fluid to move around. Walking fast could be better than running, though.

[Strem2]

Seeing a doctor will give you an understanding of what is going on. Hopefully it is a weak core, or improper running technique.  The books, Chi Walking/ Running will give you details on proper form. Basically, pull your hips forward while running so your back is straight and lean forward only slightly. 

Stairs is better when experienceing lower back pain. This strengthens your core and alternates muscles from back of legs/buttocks and ankle-foot strengthening, to front of legs, knees and abdominals. Because of the change in muscle group the back muscles don't tighten.  This was recommended to me by my chiropractor when I had back pain caused by a cyst pressing on the nerve bundle at L-5.  It helped. Along these lines, running hills, both up and down in one workout, is better for your back than running on a flat surface.

Also, when the back pain is flaring,  lie flat on floor, bed, table -- anything that is close at hand -- and put legs straight up against a wall.  Get your buttocks as close to the wall as you can.  In 10 to 15 minutes, the pain should subside as the muscles protecting the inflamed area relax, the spine relaxes, and healing fluids from the legs and trunk are able to bathe the inflamed area.

Always stay away from inflamatory foods. All the white carbs are deadly when you are experiencing pain. But also, most of the high glycemic foods (fruit juices, sodas, candy, bread, cookies....), fruits (pears, peaches, melons...) and vegetables (cooked carrots and cooked beets) will increase your pain.  Change to anti inflamatory foods such as celery, berries, nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables. 

Finally, you might want to keep a food diary. Some people are allergic to gluten, or the deadly nightshade vegetables, and experience arthritis flareups when they eat these foods.

Best of luck. It sounds as if you are working toward being really fit.

[Rainbowstarain]

Hi. I actually appreciated everyone's input. I love how there is a community where I can get advice from. Fortunately, I am not an complete idiot and I know what I should or shouldn't do when it comes to reading other people's advice.

Yes, I plan to go to the doctor for the pain after a week if it is not better. The plan is extremly light and it is going away, so I am guessing that it may not be an big issue, but will follow up with a doctor if it does not go away after a period. I just wanted to know if anyone had similar workouts and also experience the same thing to get an idea of the possibilities and what to look for. The idea of the core being weak sounds like a possible clue. I am in recovery week on P90x and the pain is fading away.

I think we should really focus on staying postive and not attack each other. These are just opinions and that is exactly what I asked for in my post. Thanks everyone for responding,I really value all input.

Also, there is a way to finesse things to express what you want AND not come off as attacking or being a jerk. I know all intentions were good in this post and thought I should point that out, at lease. 🙂

[SunsetRunner]

A fitbit employee has the word Fitbit as last part in the username.

[fairystrange]

What are "deadly nightshade foods"?

[garybartlett]

One needs to be careful of low back pain, especially if they are getting on in years.  See here:  https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Share-Your-Story/Exercising-with-a-walker-look-ma-no-hands/m-p/11277... There is one girl in my group who got multiple myeloma at the young age of 34 (as compared with my ancient age 72).

If you read my story, here is an update:  I am still forced to walk using a walker but I am pleased to report that just this week I have managed three days of over 10,000 paces,  but it took 12 months of hard work to get there.  Otherwise I am in remission and hoping that nature will take care of the healing of several fractured vertebrae and numerous lytic lesions.

Cheers,

Gary