Many doctors have patients who have damaged their knees from jogging while they were young. This exercise form is popular because it's easy enough for anyone to do. It is also effective but only when done properly. People mistakenly believe that running is one of the causes of lower back pain but if done correctly, this activity can actually help relieve back pain. Jogging is one of the many exercises that serve as back pain remedies as long as you follow some simple rules.
1. Stretch before you run. Many problems are caused by pulled muscles. This can be avoided by stretching out the muscles before strenuous activity.
2. Do not stomp your feet. Many people think stomping the feet will help them run faster. Instead this movement puts additional force on the ligaments and joints. Pay attention to your stride and rock the feet instead of stomping when you make contact with the ground.
3. Keep your back aligned. The simple act of maintaining proper posture will alleviate back pain. Make a conscious effort to keep the spine aligned while sitting, walking and running. Holding the back straight will actually make exercise easier and more effective.
4. Strengthen your core. Pain is often a result of the body being out of balance. While working on building up strength in your back is good, you must also pay attention to strengthening the abdominal muscles as well. Strong stomach muscles will help with posture and keep the spine from slouching over and causing back pain.
5. Stay relaxed. If the muscles are tense during your run, the impact from contacting the ground will be exacerbated that much more. The goal is to keep the back aligned without tensing the muscles. Doing slow breathing exercises while stretching is an effective way to relax the muscles and protect the spinal column.
6. Invest in the proper shoes for running. Shoes designed for runners will be more expensive than some athletic shoes but there is good reason for this. These shoes have padding and support in all the right places. They can help keep the foot properly aligned and cushion it during the stride. Carefully measure the foot and only purchase shoes that fit well and feel comfortable.
Try these tips the next time you go running to protect the back from excess stress and you will be amazed how much better you feel after your workout. Many things can cause lower back pain but if you take the proper precautions, running will help the problem rather than make it worse.
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