Can Running Make A Back Injury Worse?

One of the most frequently asked questions is, ‘can running make a back injury worse?’ Physiotherapists are commonly asked this question by their patients. Running is an excellent exercise for your overall physical health. But what if you are suffering from a back injury? Read this comprehensive guide further to find everything you need to know about whether running can make a back injury worse.

The first question is, what are back injuries, and how are they caused? To answer it, back injuries are caused primarily due to car accidents, playing excessive sports, excessive working, or lifting heavy loads. Some of the most common forms of such type of injuries include fractures, herniated discs, and sprains and strains. Some people suffering from lower back issues believe that running won’t affect their condition. This might be true until back pain kicks in.

This article will let you explore the several possible reasons back pain is frequent among runners and whether you should still consider running as a part of your daily routine if you are struggling with the same concerns. Also, find out about the possible treatments for handling such physical health-related matters.

4 Reasons Behind Back Pain After Running

As stated above, back injuries can be possible due to various reasons. Some of the primary reasons include injuries during a car or bike accident, carrying heavy weights, excessive involvement in sports, and overwork. Typically, people suffer from pain in their lower back, which can appear in several forms, such as herniated discs, hyperlordosis, and muscle sprains and strains.

It is always recommended to consult an experienced physiotherapist in all such conditions. Some of the practical solutions for treating such situations include orthopedics, chiropractic, and physiotherapy. Further, if you are residing in Dubai, there are several trusted medical centers, such as Adria Medical center, that are equipped with specialized and experienced doctors to deliver comprehensive treatment procedures to their patients. If you are dealing with any musculoskeletal conditions, you can visit https://adriameduae.com/.

Let us now find out the primary reasons responsible for back pain, particularly among runners.

Herniated Discs

Do you know your spine comprises several discs which help absorb the shock caused while running? These discs are rubbery cushioned components that contain a jellylike substance. In certain conditions, when this jellylike substance ruptures out from the exterior of the disc, it may lead to a slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc. Some of the most common causes of herniated discs include an external injury, aging, or degeneration.

This situation is most common in the lower back area of a person and may result in severe pain or numbness in the area. This concern can also indirectly cause inevitable muscular pain or weakness in your arms or legs. In such situations, doctors recommend certain pain relievers in mild conditions and surgery in severe conditions. Also, they may suggest specific stretching exercises, physiotherapy, or chiropractic treatments.

Hyperlordosis

Hyperlordosis occurs when your spinal cord is excessively bent compared to a normal posture. Also known as saddleback, the primary reasons behind it include spinal injury, obesity, bad sitting posture, weak muscles, and deficiency of Vitamin D. The exaggerated spinal curve results in your body weight relying on specific muscles that can result in severe back pain. The pain increases drastically, especially during running.

Though it is a reversible condition, it is critical to take immediate preventive measures or treatments to prevent the situation from worsening. Depending on the severity of the pain, the doctor may recommend physical therapy or over-the-counter medications. If the possible reason behind your condition is due to weight gain, he may suggest specific weight loss exercises or programs. If you live in Dubai, consider visiting a trustworthy medical center that must be equipped with skilled staff and proper equipment to provide the best treatments to their patients.

Fracture

Fractures are one of the primary reasons behind back pain, especially for runners. If you have a fracture, running is indeed not suggested. During a fracture, the bones collapse or slide over one another. If the situation is intense, it is known as fractural dislocation.

Not only does it cause excessive pain, but it also restricts any bodily movement. Fractures are possibly caused due to accidents, slips, fall, or lifting heavy weight. It is always recommended to seek medical help immediately. You may contact your nearest medical center to get immediate assistance and prevent any future complications.

The doctors typically recommend certain over-the-counter medications like pain relievers. Further, specialists advise taking bed rest and physical therapies as a conservative measure to assist in relieving the pain.

Sprains And Strains

This is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions that is seen among every age group. This is primarily due to intensive physical activities, such as running, that can result in muscular inflammation, stiffness, or tearing of a ligament. Overstretched or inflamed ligament leads to strains and sprains, causing severe pain in the back. While the term ‘sprain’ suggests injury to ligaments, the term ‘strain’ refers to inflammation or stiffness of muscles.

Mild conditions can be cured at home. However, complicated situations demand immediate medical assistance. You can determine whether to see a doctor or not by analyzing if you are unable to move the injured part or if there is numbness in the affected area. In such circumstances, pain relievers, physiotherapy, or chiropractic treatments can help relieve pain up to a great extent.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to physical health cannot be overlooked. Most people do not interrelate running with musculoskeletal conditions, such as herniated discs, fractures, or sprains and strains. However, running must be avoided in all such situations as it can intensify back pain to a certain extent. It is best to contact a reliable and trustworthy medical center to get the proper treatment for your condition to avoid any future complications. There are medical centers based in Dubai that offer an exclusive range of treatments to deliver quality health care.