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Running for Back Pain
Running for back pain can be part of a total program of
back exercise
treatment. Running is a good next step for patients who have already started a simple exercise program and want to take it to the next level. Patients who have been
walking for back pain
relief will often graduate to running as their bodies become stronger.

Running Pain Relief
Running is an excellent cardio-vascular activity. It is also a fantastic way to
lose weight
and maintain optimal health. It is one of the most effective exercises for increasing circulation to the affected
painful back muscles.
Increased circulation will reduce waste products in the muscles and increase muscular oxygen supply, often relieving the agonizing symptoms of
ischemia.
Running will also help to stretch and strengthen leg and back muscles. These are the same muscles often affected by many common
lower back pain
syndromes. Running will also provide excellent therapy for many types of
muscular back pain.
Guidelines on Running for Back Pain
Consult your doctor before starting to use running as a
back pain treatment.
Always wear proper fitting and supportive running
shoes.
Make sure to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Push yourself to increase the pace and distance slowly, but steadily. Try not to run on a hard surface. Running tracks, or wooden boardwalks, make much better running surfaces than concrete. If you live near the beach, try running in the sand. The wet sand near the water line is best, to avoid twisting your ankle. You will get an excellent workout in a much shorter time.Do not overdo it. If you push yourself to run long distances, you are actually being counterproductive. Long distance running actually deprives the muscles of oxygen and can cause cramping and
spasms.
It is better to keep the distance shorter and work on increasing the speed instead.
Recommendation on Running for Back Pain
I used to run a lot. I found that a run in the sand is a particularly good workout. Now, I prefer to walk. It is just my preference. Running is an excellent exercise and one of the best ways to get in great shape. I know several regular runners that have found
back pain relief
during their daily jogs. If muscular back pain is your chief complaint, running for back pain might be part of your solution.
Running for Back Pain to Lower Back Pain Home
7/30/06 Revised 7/2/08

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