Don’t Run Yourself Into a Spinal Injury

Running: the good, bad and ugly for spinal health 

Running is a wonderful boost for aerobic fitness, circulation, muscle tone and endurance. For those who run, it is an integral part of feeling well and the mental uplift that can be gained from a simple circuit is an indelible part of life. But running also poses clear dangers to the spine: the repetitive jarring action involved in each footfall increases compression to the discs and joints of the spine, causing significant wear and tear compared to those who don’t run. Your back muscles also receive a significant amount of strain as they vie to keep your spine upright despite the fatigue that is setting in. So how do we keep running despite the clear and present risk factors?

We keep you running and injury free

Simply being aware of running’s risk factors is the first place to start. At Greenway Plaza Chiropractic, we work with runners to counsel them on proper running posture that minimizes the wear and tear on your spine. This includes how you hold your body, length of stride and the biomechanics involved in initiating and stabilizing the running motion. 

If you can master the posture and biomechanics of running, all you need is a good pair of running shoes that you change regularly, and to vary the surfaces you run on. These are the best ways to lower the risks for back pain and spinal injury that are ubiquitous in the running world. For more information on how to maintain a high level of spinal health while still running, give our office in Houston a call to schedule an appointment today.