Running for Back Pain Relief or The Cause of Back Pain? | Chiropractor Gardner
Will running cause back pain? This is a question often asked of our doctors at Fulk Chiropractor Gardner KS. The answer is, “It depends.” Some have found that running actually helps with back pain, and others find it seems not to help at all.
Reasons Running Can Help with Back Pain | Chiropractor Gardner
1. Running strengthens your core – While you’re running, you use your abs and glute muscles to propel you forward. This strenghens your core and increases endurance. A stronger core leads to proper posture while running and in general.
2. Running makes you happy! – When you run, your body releases endorphins that help you to feel good. This can help to relieve stress and decrease your perception of pain – leaving you feeling better!
3. Running helps you make more healthy choices – You can still eat poorly and drink alcohol when you run, but these choices will make it harder to perform well. Many beginning runners notice a difference in their performance right away when they run well-hydrated and when they make good eating choices. This encourages them toward a change in lifestyle.
4. Running helps with weight loss – Back pain is often related to how much weight you’re carrying around. Eating right while running on a regular basis can relieve the pressure that extra weight can place on your lower back.
Gardner KS Runners
Gardner KS has a fast-growing population of runners. They regularly upload and share their running routes online. Gardner residents are often the first to sign up for many of the local Kansas City area races and benefit runs. Many of our patients ask our Fulk Chiropractors Gardner KS if running can actually be the cause of their back pain.
Well, sometimes it can.
Mistakes Runners Make That Can Cause Back Pain | Chiropractor Gardner
1. Landing Harder on One Side – Runners who land heavily on one side while they run can cause a misalignment in their spine over time – especially in the lower back.
2. Too Big of a Stride – When you take steps that are too big during a run it can cause your hips to move toward one direction causing posture misalignment and stressing your lower back.
3. Swinging Your Arms too Big – If you swing one arm back farther than the other, it can cause a twist in your mid and lower back that can eventually lead to back pain.
Running can be beneficial when done properly. Gardner Runners who increase mileage slowly, perform good warm ups and remember to stretch properly can minimize the risk of back pain. As with any medical information, It’s important to check with your doctor as each individual is different.
Each Fulk Chiropractor Gardner KS specializes in treating and preventing back pain through sports injuries. Our Gardner chiropractors are available 7 days a week and offer 24 hour emergency care. Learn more about how back pain can be treated with chiropractic treatment or visit us online at www.fulkchiropractic.com.