Just over a year ago, I injured my lower back while I was in training for my first marathon. The persistent ache was not painful, but it was always there. Unlike before, when the backache disappeared through time, it persisted, and I was aware of it 24/7, especially upon waking up. Little did I know that it was the result of a training error.Dreading the worst, like DDD (degenerative disc disease), I put off going to the doctor again and again, making work and studies my excuse. Because of my lower back pain, I did not push through with a planned second marathon in 2009. However, I did continue to run, finishing several half-marathons for the year.
Now, it is 2010, and I have decided that two years is long enough to hope that the pain will go away on its own. I finally consulted a doctor, and the diagnosis: muscle spasms.
Generally, muscle spasms are caused by repetitive rotational movements of the spine (e.g., tennis), radical changes in training, or prolonged flexion of the back. Mine was probably the latter. During my marathon preparation, I sought to build my abdominal muscles through sit-ups, crunches, and a lot of leg raises. This put a lot of pressure in my lower back, for while it strengthened my abs, it did nothing to my back muscles.
Treatment for muscle spasms
In my case, after two years, ice will no longer work. My doctor prescribed muscle relaxants (Eperisone HCl 50mg) and pain reliever (Etoricoxib 120mg), and although I winced at the cost, I was more aghast that he ordered me not to run for a week. One week without running!
This experience has indeed taught me a valuable lesson. Never, ever, again postpone going to a medical professional. I should be happy I did not have DDD, but the thought of no running for one week is enough to make me cry.
I hear you on the whole week of no running bit. But at least the problem is not worse (DDD) Do you do any lower back exercises? If not, that might help some. You are in my prayers for your back to heal properly. Take care.
thanks kenley. yes, i'm researching on some lower back exercises. thanks!
Aleah, Thanks for the comment about the 21k. I can not wait as I am excited for that. As far as relay, that sounds good. Where are you located at in the PH? I will be in or near Mariveles, Southern Bataan.
If you are still having problems pls check my blog title is “MIRACLE MAN” http://runningshield.blogspot.com/2010/01/miracle-man.html. WE call him miracle man because of the miracle he can do to make you run better. pls email me seperately so i can give you his contact no. thank you – patrick concepcion / runningshield
thanks, patrick. i'll check it out!
I definitely think genetics are involved. I am a woman who really gains muscle easily while my boyfriend, no matter what, stays fairly small. He is incredibly strong, however…and he eats like crazy. But I think you are right–it should be about health and not whether or not women have muscle or not. There are so many skinny 'model' women out there who have body fat percentages in the 30
yes, it is good that more and more women are getting involved in sports, esp in those which are traditionally “men” indeed, strong is beautiful!
If you’re not drinking enough water, your body will let you know. Thirst is an amazing sensation – quench it. If you’re not hydrated, your body won’t be working at peak levels. Most of your body happens to be water, by the way. If you’re worried about “water weight,” remember that you’re likely to retain more water when you’re not giving your body enough of it in the first place. Besides, that’s
Hi! I am also a runner and have been joining races for more than 2 years. I have lower back pain in my left leg and very happy to find your article!!Most of the doctors and people cannot understand how it makes a runner to feel when prohibited from running. Actually my pain started for more than 8 months ago and like you I continued running even if I feel such a pain. When I started running, I
@ anonymous: i can feel your pain, as i am still having back pain now! i went to the ortho and he wanted me to take an MRI as he could not arrive at the proper diagnosis. i am holding out though, since MRIs cost so much. at the moment, i am having traditional massage (hilot) every week. i feel a bit of relief but i will go back to the doctor next week for some strengthening exercises. it's
I recommend that you read books by Dr. John Sarno & Steven Ozanich. The root cause of back pain is not physical, but mental. It will change your life