Running and the Back
Running is a high-impact activity that begins with your feet. The running shoes hit the ground, then absorb a large portion of the shock before it radiates up through the body. These "shock waves" can especially impact the hips and spine, causing pain and discomfort over time. According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, failing to frequently replace running shoes has been linked to a variety of common running injuries, such as back problems.
While a shoe is not the solution to all problems (such as flat feet), a good shoe can provide support and shock absorption. A bad shoe or worn-out shoe can do the opposite.
A Good Shoe
To understand how a bad shoe can affect the back while running, you must first understand why a good shoe is helpful. A good shoe can support the heel and contains padding, plastic or foam that absorbs the shock when your feet hit the ground while running. The midsole area is that which is on the pad of the foot and is the area of the shoe that absorbs the most shock. A new, slightly broken-in shoe has tightly packed padding on the midsole.
How a Shoe Breaks Down
With every mile a runner runs in her shoes, the more a shoe begins to break down. The shoe will lose shock absorption capability (particularly in the midsole area) and overall stability. Think of stability loss the same way as stretching the neck on a t-shirt or sweater. Over time and with wear, the shoes become stretched-out and unable to provide the same stability and support as they had before.
When your shoe becomes unstable and breaks down, this can result in a condition known as over pronation. When this occurs, the feet begin to roll inward. When this occurs, back pain, particularly lower back pain, can result. For this reason, the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine recommends replacing running shoes between 350 and 500 miles run. As far as shoe appearance goes, this should occur before the shoes takes on visible signs of wear, such as decreased tread on the sole.
Member Comments