Mid back pain - help please!

Alice 5

Hi everyone

I am a new runner, went from doing pretty much zero exercise to starting the couch to 5k programme. I am now on week 5, where it starts getting you to do longer runs with no walking. I am finding that I have enough stamina to keep going, but I keep on having to stop because of back pain.

I have found a lot of information on lower back pain, but this pain isn't really in my lower back, it's more in the mid section. It's sort of under my bra strap area, and feels like a dull ache.  (nb I'm not wearing a sports bra... could that be a factor?)

What can I do to help? Are there exercises I should be doing? I haven't been stretching at all before running, just doing a 5 minute warm-up walk as the couch to 5k programme suggests.

The only reason I can think for it s that it could be related to my fallen arches? I wear proper running trainers with good support but should I maybe wear insoles as well?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

HA77

What's your posture like when you run? If you're hunched in your upper back, you're likely to get pain there. Think about staying relaxed in your upper body but tall with shoulders back. I usual include upper limb stretches (pecs and lats) as well. Can't comment on sports bras but I wouldn't be worrying about insoles.

Trying to improve

Only things I can think are either poor posture or perhaps you have a physical job that involves lifting things?? I also wouldn't know about the Sports Bra but if the pain persits for several weeks you could see a Doctor who may recommend you to a see a Physio (Don't worry, you don't have to pay a penny)

Chrissie5

Hi, I had a similar problem and after putting up with the pain for ages I then found lee the Pain Relief Coach @ go pain go.com, he was fantastic and after 4 sessions I was running pain free again... I'm sure if you contacted him, he can help

andrehoss

You should consult an orthopedic specialist to get right suggestions.