Hi
I have recently had a xray of my back which confirmed that I have chronic degenerative disc disease in my lumbar region (L4/5 discs). In May last year I started running, building up from 1 minute run/ 3 minutes walk to 50 minutes run which I was delighted about. My back pain has been with me for years and a MRI scan in 1999 showed that I had torn discs, but it has got a lot worse since having my children (who are 3 and 4). In October 08 I went to see an orthopaedic surgeon at the local hospital and he gave me about 10 minutes of his time and told me running was bad for my back and I should swim! I tried to be positve about it and went swimming a few times (which actually hurt my neck too!) but nothing comes close to running.
I don't have the time, money or inclination to join a gym, I just want to go out for half an hour 3-4 times a week. Having not run for 2 months now I feel that the psychological effects of not running are worse than the stiff back I had when I did run!! I am starting body control pilates this week which I hope will strengthen my core but I am thinking of seeing a sports physio. Basically I want a professional to tell me its OK to run!! Does anybody know of a good sports physio in the manchester/cheshire area that they can recommend?
Thank you
Toria
Comments
Yep agree.. it just needs to be managed well. Pilates will be a good addition. You don't need a gym to do core stuff once you know some basic exercises, plank, quadruped etc.
As long as running doesn't increase your back pain, go for it. Build mileage up slowly and run on a variety of surfaces if possible so you're not always on road.
Strange the swimming recommendation - often the spine's in an extended position so this can exacerbate spinal problems. Breastroke swimmers often get neck pain due to this position and overloading the anterior shoulder (pulls structures forward).
A sports physio is a good idea as they can assess if structures are tight / out of alignment in the back and treat accordingly. Plus they should be able to give you specific strengthening / stretching exercises if needed.
Hi and thank you so much for your replies. In fact I have seen a sports physio since my note on the forum and feel so so much more positive now. I started pilates last week and it was wonderful. The physio too said that the advice I was given was not the best and recommended I build up my hamstrings and glutes (by gentle swimming and specific pilates exercises) and then start my running plan from scratch on the football pitch opposite my house. I just need to be patient and work hard! My other problem is that I have had back pain for so long that I move in a funny way expecting the pain. I need to try to change how I get up and move and think more positively about it - stop thinking I am 90, not 34!!!
Thank you again!
Toria