Lower back pain when running

[Venkman]

I started running a few weeks ago and my lower back is freaking killing me. I think I stretch it out well enough, but I know I don't have the strongest back and I'm guessing something in my running technique is off.

Advice on exercises, technique?

[Archaea]

First advice, consult your physician and this advice trumps all other. Anything we speculate about could be in error.

With that important and most accurate caveat, it could be several things, or a combination of things.

Let's start with proper fitting shoes. You need your gate analyzed to determine if you pronate or supernate.

Next, you need to run on a treadmill to determine if your posture is correct.

And you need to analyze how you feel. If you are landing on your heel, then the muscles affected will necessarily include lower back muscles. If you land mid-sole, you will impact the ankle region and have less impact upon the back.

Get a book on "Evolution Running" or Chi Running, it may change your lean and relieve the back pain, if your physician concurs.

[Venkman]

Should I see a generalist or do I need to see a specialist? And what kind of specialists deal with back problems.

Interesting about where you land - I definitely land on my heel.

[Archaea]

Most people are heelstrikers. But if you analyze the muscle groupings used for that strike you will discover it places stress on lower back. You will need to acquire some shoe that has extra heel support but go to a go shoe fitter to analyze.

No, I would go to a sports concentrating orthopedic guy.