OK, I know I'm getting on a bit, but for the last few months I've been horribly stiff with back pain when I get up - and the more I run, the worse it gets. I've just had three weeks off running for various reasons and it all settled down. But after just a steady 4-miler yesterday evening it's as bad as ever. I do have some "foot issues" but these are as sorted as they can be with orthotics. Do I just have to put up with it??

Hi Marge

You definitely don't have to just put up with it. Have you been to a specialist for a diagnosis yet? When I had my back problem last year I basically threw the kitchen sink at it - sports physiotherapist/back specialist, prescribed exercises, massage and acupuncture and all that pretty much did the job. I still do the exercises most mornings. But it will depend on the problem of course.

Marge

Do you look down when you run or at the road/middle distance well ahead?

If the former this will contribute to  your back pain as it is those poor back muscles that have to hold the weight of your head.

Instead try standing tall as if there is a string coming out of the top of your head, now look up, and ahead and off you go. Basically, it could just be as simple as improving your posture.

Good luck with it.....  

how old is your mattress? Maybe its your bed not your running

Where is the pain - is it lower back.  I recommend pilates to strengthen your core muscles to provide better support to your back.