Pinched Nerve in the Lower Spine Caused by Running

When running, injuries like a pinched nerve can happen due to over-training and lack of stretching. A pinched nerve on the lower spine disrupts the nerve's function and can be very painful.

Pinched Nerve

• According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, a pinched nerve can occur when too much pressure is applied to a nerve, disrupting the nerve's function, causing pain, tingling, numbness or weakness.

Running

• Stress from running and other sports injury can cause tissue to compress a nerve. This can lead to inflammation of the nerve and disrupting its function. There is no permanent damage if you pinch your nerve for only a short time.

Symptoms

• A pinched nerve may include symptoms such as a sharp or radiating pain, numbness in the area, tingling sensation and muscle weakness. If you pinched a nerve in the lower spine, coughing or sneezing may also aggravate the pain.

Treatment

• Give yourself plenty of rest and take over-the-counter pain relievers until symptoms disappear. The pressure on your nerve needs to be relieved so that the nerve function can return to normal. If symptoms persist, see a doctor immediately.

Prevention/Solution

• Incorporate flexibility exercises before and after each run. Do not over-train and switch to other forms of exercise such as swimming to relieve strain and strengthen other parts of your body. Maintaining a healthy weight is also a good way to prevent a pinched nerve.