Running and Your Spine: What Every Runner Should Know

Running is one of the most popular ways to stay active, but many runners do not realize how much stress it places on the spine. With every step, your body absorbs impact that travels from your feet through your legs and into your lower back and neck. When your spine is not properly aligned, that impact is amplified, increasing your risk of pain and injury.

Poor running posture, muscle imbalances, and repetitive motion can place excessive strain on the lower back, hips, and neck. Over time, this can lead to common issues such as lower back pain, tight hips, herniated discs, sciatic pain, and recurring muscle strains. Many runners also experience neck and shoulder tension from forward head posture while running.

Chiropractic care helps keep the spine aligned so your body can absorb impact more efficiently. Proper alignment reduces joint stress, improves mobility, and allows muscles to function correctly. Many runners notice fewer injuries, faster recovery, better posture, and improved performance with regular chiropractic care.

You can protect your spine while running by maintaining upright posture, avoiding overstriding, wearing supportive footwear, warming up properly, and stretching after each run. Strengthening your core and hips is also essential for spinal stability and injury prevention.

q If you run regularly and experience lingering back pain, hip tightness, or sciatic symptoms, it may be time to have your spine evaluated. Early care can prevent small problems from becoming long term injuries.