Long-distance running with a degenerative disc?

andrew o'brien 4 · November 2019

Hi all,

I've been suffering from a tight hamstring for several months and an MRI scan in July showed that I have a degenerative disc in my lower back that is irritating the nerve. I was advised to swim or cycle but back off from running.

I'm a long-distance runner (sub 3hrs) and would love to carry on training for and running marathons (I recently turned 41).

Just wondered if any else has been through a similar experience and, if so, what distance and intensity of running you have been able to sustain without making your symptoms worse?

I know this is highly subjective as symptoms will vary from one person to another but I'm still interested in hearing about different people's experiences.

Thanks

RobM77 · June 2020

I slipped a disc very badly ten years ago stopping to help someone in the street who'd fallen over. Since then I've had permanent sciatic pain in my left leg and permanent back pain. My lower back has always been a bit dodgy and I have degenerative discs too. I currently run about 80-90km a week and find I can do this pain free if I try hard to maintain a good posture when running (neutral pelvis, not squashing the discs at the back) and do regular core strengthening exercises. When I started running I had a lot of back pain, but as I gradually increased mileage, brought in the exercises and became aware of my posture, the pain eased. I hope that helps - I know how hard it can be.

andrew o'brien 4 · June 2020

Thanks for sharing,

What kind of core strengthening exercises do you do?

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