Lower back pain

Lower back pain is common in runners and usually harmless; running itself is good for the spine. Most episodes settle within a few weeks if you keep moving.

• Common causes: a jump in volume, fatigue, long hours sitting, weak glutes and trunk, lots of downhill.
• What usually helps: stay active rather than resting in bed, walk, run short and easy on flat ground if it is tolerated, and strengthen glutes and trunk (bridges, planks) 2 to 3 times a week.
• See a doctor if pain spreads below the knee with numbness, tingling or weakness, follows a fall, comes with fever, is there at night or at rest, or is not improving after 2 weeks.
• Numbness between the legs or loss of bladder or bowel control: emergency care straight away.