Running for Exercise and its Impact on Back Health

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Many people love to run for exercise- the clear air of the outdoors is invigorating, adrenaline released is motivating and creates euphoria, and the sport is relatively easy to perform- you need athletic shoes and a place to run! Additionally, running for exercise is terrific cardiac exercise as the racer’s heart rate increases, and the leg and hip muscles receive a great workout. Some people engage in race events such as 5K or marathon runs which are significant sporting events and opportunities to engage socially. Running has a lot of excellent benefits. It does have some downsides. However, that potential runners and even long term participants should take into consideration.

Many runners experience foot pain at some time in their running careers. The feet take the brunt of the impact as they touch the track and support and propel the rest of the body. Proper footwear is a must, and it is also essential to stretch the feet, legs, and back before running to give the involved muscles and ligaments adequate elasticity and contractility. Visit a shoe store dedicated to the athletics of running to have your foot size, shape, and arch evaluated and fitted correctly to best support your feet before doing any long distance running. Be prepared to give your feet a bit of time to `break in` new shoes, as well. Learn how to stretch the leg and feet muscles and spend time on this crucial aspect, as well. 

Back pain is relatively joint among the people who, especially if they have knee, foot or hip trouble or imbalance.  The spine houses the nerves which send messages to the tissues involved in running- muscles and ligaments and bones; it also provides support and flexibility to the upper body and organs as it functions and is carried along in the running event- twisting, breathing, pumping and exerting. Each osseous vertebral unit functions as a shock absorber- gelatinous discs between vertebrae sustain impact and protect bones and nerves alike from the shock created from each running step. Additionally, lordotic and kyphotic curves in the cervical, lumbar, and thoracic spine regions redistribute stress from running. If any of these vertebral shock absorber regions is faulty or overloaded from too much impact, the spine and delicate nerves will be injured. Be sure to have your back and spine evaluated before running to make sure it’s up to the task! If you experience back or neck pain, visit a back pain doctor in Chapel Hill, NC for expert help and solace.

Thanks to Acupractic Natural Healing Center and Acupuncture at Eastowne for their insight into acupuncture and back health.