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Possible groin strain - linked to lower back issues?
somapop
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Hi all.
I've posted a little on the training forums but as a quick summary:
This is the third time I've taken up running. The first two times (annual attempts) quickly subsided (for a variety of reasons). This third time, I've kept at it. I believe joining a local park run (I have a friend who already runs them) has definitiely helped.
Last year I started running a local park (they have 5k markers you can follow) and my times came in at around 30 mins (I literally felt like an armchair waddling around...I wasn't particuarly unfit, and not overweight...marginally if any and then merely 'un ripped'!). First Park Run was around 25:40 and this weekend I ran 21:40 (I'm following a training routine now I'm getting a little more serious about it).
I had a few bouts of heavy cold/flu over the winter quite possibly exacerbated by continuing to run but under fueling by some amount - I had a post on here with some sound advice). Dash of runners knee, but rest and a bit of core strengthening, proper training and a strap has made all those issues subside).
I stepped it up a little last week: 3 consecutive 6k evening runs (only run if I'm feeling up for it generally) but after the third run I felt a groind twinge/pain (right at the top of my left, inner thigh). Two days off, before trying the park run. Still a bit of pain on the morning of the park run (though I'm generally a little stiff in the morning...), but once I'd warmed up and started running the pain vanished and I smashed my PB by 30 seconds (21:40).
I'd planned to do a 10k the next day (too soon after a race??) but once started, the pain came back fairly strong. Seemed to be mixed with a bit of hip pain and *lower back. I'd committed to doing this 10k (my first really) so I carried on, knuckles in the base of my spine and not very happy with it. Suffice to say, I've not run since and I'll lay off for a while.
I can half recall this being something I've always suffered from (used to play tennis a lot....as kid then picked up a few years back (I'm 44).
I did martial arts around 10 years ago and was as supple and fit as I ever was (though I actually feel fitter now I'm stepped up the running).
I suspect the amount of stretching and yoga we did in kung fu helped.
* The lower back is an issue I've had near on 10 years. Got so bad at one stage I was doubled up for half the morning and couldn't bend to put my shoes and socks on. Doctor didn't really offer any help (next stage medication would've meant giving up driving).
Ironically (and despite advice not to), running has helped tremendously. I'm always aware of a pain in lower back, but it has definitely subsided.
Wondering if the groin issue (have a little limp since sunday - weight on the left side of body) could be linked to the lower back issue?
I'm wary of visiting a physio very time I have a bit of pain and think I should really step up my stretching (someone has suggested carrying out the pidgeon stretch on a daily basis). I swim a lot and I'm thinking of moving my swim membership to a much closer gym (which has a pool)...I can't over emphasise the physical and mental benefits I've had since I've taking up running...I'd hate to lose that.
I've read a few threads on here re groin issues - not clear cut, but hopefully it's just a strain and I won't end up requiring a surgical route.
Maybe add a few groin stretches into my stretching routine (which isn't particularly extensive!!)?
Many thanks.
I've posted a little on the training forums but as a quick summary:
This is the third time I've taken up running. The first two times (annual attempts) quickly subsided (for a variety of reasons). This third time, I've kept at it. I believe joining a local park run (I have a friend who already runs them) has definitiely helped.
Last year I started running a local park (they have 5k markers you can follow) and my times came in at around 30 mins (I literally felt like an armchair waddling around...I wasn't particuarly unfit, and not overweight...marginally if any and then merely 'un ripped'!). First Park Run was around 25:40 and this weekend I ran 21:40 (I'm following a training routine now I'm getting a little more serious about it).
I had a few bouts of heavy cold/flu over the winter quite possibly exacerbated by continuing to run but under fueling by some amount - I had a post on here with some sound advice). Dash of runners knee, but rest and a bit of core strengthening, proper training and a strap has made all those issues subside).
I stepped it up a little last week: 3 consecutive 6k evening runs (only run if I'm feeling up for it generally) but after the third run I felt a groind twinge/pain (right at the top of my left, inner thigh). Two days off, before trying the park run. Still a bit of pain on the morning of the park run (though I'm generally a little stiff in the morning...), but once I'd warmed up and started running the pain vanished and I smashed my PB by 30 seconds (21:40).
I'd planned to do a 10k the next day (too soon after a race??) but once started, the pain came back fairly strong. Seemed to be mixed with a bit of hip pain and *lower back. I'd committed to doing this 10k (my first really) so I carried on, knuckles in the base of my spine and not very happy with it. Suffice to say, I've not run since and I'll lay off for a while.
I can half recall this being something I've always suffered from (used to play tennis a lot....as kid then picked up a few years back (I'm 44).
I did martial arts around 10 years ago and was as supple and fit as I ever was (though I actually feel fitter now I'm stepped up the running).
I suspect the amount of stretching and yoga we did in kung fu helped.
* The lower back is an issue I've had near on 10 years. Got so bad at one stage I was doubled up for half the morning and couldn't bend to put my shoes and socks on. Doctor didn't really offer any help (next stage medication would've meant giving up driving).
Ironically (and despite advice not to), running has helped tremendously. I'm always aware of a pain in lower back, but it has definitely subsided.
Wondering if the groin issue (have a little limp since sunday - weight on the left side of body) could be linked to the lower back issue?
I'm wary of visiting a physio very time I have a bit of pain and think I should really step up my stretching (someone has suggested carrying out the pidgeon stretch on a daily basis). I swim a lot and I'm thinking of moving my swim membership to a much closer gym (which has a pool)...I can't over emphasise the physical and mental benefits I've had since I've taking up running...I'd hate to lose that.
I've read a few threads on here re groin issues - not clear cut, but hopefully it's just a strain and I won't end up requiring a surgical route.
Maybe add a few groin stretches into my stretching routine (which isn't particularly extensive!!)?
Many thanks.
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Comments
I've been recommended quite a few varieties, but no definitive source (though a local sports physio always seems to come up).
Afraid of getting stuck in a money trap I guess, but I've no idea how these things work.
Perhaps my gait is also well out of kilter (but as mentioned above, my back issues aren't anywhere near as severe as they were before I started running).
Simply losing some weight and having my core strengthened has probably helped, but perhaps that's merely papering over the cracks?
A friend of mine had very similar issues (I can't say for certain it was the exactly the same) and after a few sessions of pilates, his back was all but cured.
When I first went to the GP I honestly felt like the outcome would be back surgery, such was the intensity.
I'll leave off running for a few days (re the groin problem) and test it again...but the underlying back issue seems like it will never shift until it's had a professional eye upon it.
Many thanks.
One problem is that there is a big difference between a good physio and a bad physio and it's hard to tell the difference. Paying extra for someone really good is often money well spent and could be cheaper in the long term if they can get to the root of the problem.
I keep thinking I can get by and find some magic stretch that will resovle my back issue (and maybe there is...but I'm utterly under qualified to do that).
I've asked around and found a highly recommended sports physio (a small, cottage clinic type - one that everybody locally has heard of). Also know (through friends) a pilates teached who is also a qualified physio - might be a good option too.
This thread morphed from my groin niggle to my back - apologies!
The groin feels a lot better (not 100%) than it did at the weekend. Was wondering if it's worth a gentle run to ease it back in, or stay well clear till there is no sense of pain there art all?
Perhaps also a bit of ice and anti inflammatory meds too, combined with a bit of groin relief exercises?
Many thanks.