BACK PAIN AND JOGGING

Question
QUESTION: I HVAE ALWAYS JOGGED SINCE I WAS A TEENAGER, BUT LAST YEAR I STARTED
TO GET LOWER BACK PAIN, MY OSTEOPATH SAID I SHOULD NOT RUN AS I HAVE
A VERY STRAIGHT SPINE, I REALLY MISS RUNNING AND STILL HAVE THE PAIN.IS
THERE REALLY GREAT HARM IN RUNNING AGAIN. MRI SCAN SHOWED
DEGENERATIVE DISC BUT NOTHING MAJOR

ANSWER: Hi Peter
Doctors are very hesitant in their practice for fear of getting sued,so it is very hard to get any quality answer.I personally would gradually work into it and keep a close eye on any symptoms that are progressing.I don't no your age or height weight or past or present activity level so i really can't make a complete solid recommendation  as to how you should precede other than take it slowly and if you do need to lose weight and tighten those abs etc,etc.I would recommend you start a good core workout program to support your back.You just have feel your way along accordingly to how your feeling.Any other questions just get in touch Peter.

All the best

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: dear john, thanks for the quick response. my age is 42, and height is 5ft 8in. i am pretty fit and before this back pain used to run 4 miles three times a week plus used to do cardio and weights 3 times a week at the gym. the back pain came suddenly last nov. i have been doing the core stability excersises since january after visiting physio pherapy, , i am not overweight in anyway. what do you think, chance the running and see how it goes ?

Answer
Hi Peter
I would move forward with the running.I would also add stationary biking which is also great for tracking and alignment which is also going to help stabilize the back.You can also add 500mg vit C
to your 3 meals a day to enhance recovery of tendons,connective tissue,cell structure.If you listen closely to your body and work in gradually i think you will do fine.ENJOY Peter.

All the best

John