Running with a bad back

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Anyone else working towards this? Going gently? Walking atm but i NEED to run again for my sanity (& waistline). Intend to do offroad & gentle as far as possible and in a couple of months

Hello!
I don't have a diagnosed bad back, just a lot of lower back ache. Caused by life in general I think.
I run quite a lot and do find trails easier on the back - it's aches considerably more after a long run, but like you, the mental benefits far outweigh the physical cons.

I think if you are really really careful, the exercise should strengthen your muscles - core stability helps backs too, do you do any pilates or yoga?

Yoga not advised but pilates, yes. Should do more! Do you run through the aches & pains as it were? Have done in the past, excessively so and am now (overly) cautious as a result.

If I waited until I was totally without pain to run, I'd never get out. But if it's anything more than a sort of baseline ache I wait it out.
I do a weekly pilates class which really helps to sort me out, but do a lot of the stretches at home to help get me thought the week.

It sounds like you're being sensible about it, which is so important (sorry, that's meant as a compliment, not to be patronising). much better to be cautious - could you do walk/jog intervals maybe?

Still under consultant, not signed off yet to run. But am walking lots