Do you notice more back pain when on your long runs? Are you frustrated with tightness in your back limiting your runs? We can help identify the source of your pain and get you running pain-free again! At Rose City Physical Therapy, our physical therapists specialize in treating lower back pain.
Just about everyone deals with low back pain at one point. For some, the lucky ones, the pain lasts just a few days. For others, low back pain lingers for years and never really goes away completely. It is estimated that up to 80 % of all adults experience lower back pain some time in their lives.
Surprisingly, studies have demonstrated that running seems to protect people from back pain. However, runners can still experience run related low back pain and when they do, the main reasons for runners to experience lower back pain are often related to training mistakes and, at times, easy to identify.
At Rose City Physical Therapy, we are experts at treating lower back pain and have solutions that will work for you. Contact us today to request an appointment with one of our highly trained therapists and let us help you run pain-free again!
Common causes of back pain in runners
One of the biggest challenges in treating back pain is the lack of consistent risk factors, especially for first-time low back pain episodes. It is often concluded that the main reason for back pain is no apparent reason. The most reliable predictor of future lower back pain is a previous episode‒once someone experiences back pain, they are likely to experience another episode.
Running is one of the most popular activities for physical and mental well-being. The benefits of running are numerous;, however, running also comes with its share of injuries, including back pain during running and after running.
Back pain in runners is often related to gait issues or muscles fatigue issues. The most common risk factors associated with running include:
- History of running for more than six years
- Body Mass Index (BMI) > 24 (i.e., overweight)
- Deconditioned or adding mileage too far too fast
- Restricted hip flexion range of motion
- Restrictions in spine mobility
Other problems may indirectly affect the lower back, including injuries to the lower extremities that lead to compensatory patterns or changes to someone’s gait. Some feel that shoe style, use of inserts (orthotics), or lack of stretching leads to back pain, but there is no research-backed evidence to support these claims.
Fortunately, at Rose City Physical Therapy, our physical therapists specialize in treating back pain and runner-related injuries for those in the Portland and surrounding areas. We can identify the source of your problem and provide you with the guidance you need to resolve your issues once and for all!
What to expect in your physical therapy visits
Physical therapy is an excellent resource for runners looking to resolve their lower back pain. Our team will focus on addressing the cause of the pain rather than simply attempting to hide the symptoms. Our run injury rehab experience ranges from the high school developing runner, the couch to 5k runner, the weekend warrior, and the professional and Olympic runners that frequent Portland.
Working with our highly trained physical therapists will help you improve your range of motion, restore strength to muscles in your lower back, and reduce tension in your muscles through targeted manual therapies.
At your initial assessment, your physical therapist will take a comprehensive history of your running and run related injuries, running shoes used in the past and current, wear pattern of your running shoes, as well as perform a runner-specific physical exam. This includes a range of motion and functional mobility assessment, a strength assessment, as well as a series of tests, including a gait assessment and functional movements that help us classify your condition and determine the most effective treatment options to help you run pain-free.
Physical therapy treatments most effective for lower back pain in runner’s include:
- Exercise instruction (i.e., targeted active/dynamic stretches, strengthening, and functional mobility work)
- Running form cues, cadence and corrections
- Manual therapy, including soft tissue work and joint mobilization/manipulations
- Addressing the fear some may experience related to back pain
- Return-to-running program
Reach out to one of our physical therapists for information and support in overcoming lower back pain, and finally, find long-term relief.
Request an appointment today!
At Rose City Physical Therapy, our physical therapists have experience working with runners dealing with lower back pain. Our goal is to get you running pain-free again!
Contact our Portland clinic today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists!