Can You Go Running after Back Surgery?

safe to run 2One of the activities that many people enjoy is running. It gives them the opportunity to get out for a while and, in some cases, they may enjoy some solitude in an otherwise busy life. Just because you enjoy running, however, does not mean it is always the best idea and that is especially true after you had back surgery. As a runner, you are likely wondering when you can get back to running after surgery so we have provided the following information for your convenience.

First of all, it is very important for you to listen to your physician when it comes to any suggestions as to when you can get back to running again. Each person is going to be different in their recovery time and the type of surgery that you have may differ as well. Don't simply get back out there and run again without asking your doctor, because you could cause further injury and may undo any of the good that the surgery did for you. Your doctor is the one that can provide you with the best answer to this question.

Most runners tend to be rather healthy individuals before they had back surgery, so they may be able to recover faster than somebody who is not healthy. That being said, there is still going to be some recovery time that is associated with your surgery. Don't simply try to get out there and do everything that you can possibly do from the very start. Consider that your body has just been through quite a trauma, not only from the back injury but also from the surgery that took place.

safe to runEven if your doctor does give you clearance to begin normal activities again, you may need to start slow and work your way up to your regular routine. Some runners would feel as if it was beneath them to walk around the block a few times rather than getting out and pounding the pavement. The fact of the matter is, however, your body may need the recovery time so working your way up to your normal run is something that is important.

Finally, most runners are accustomed to running through the pain that they are experiencing. That shouldn't be the case, however, after you have had spine surgery. If you try to run through the pain and ignore what your body is trying to tell you, you could very easily end up injuring yourself further. Your body is a machine, and when a problem occurs within the machine, it will send off signals and one of those signals is pain. Make sure that you are listening to what your body is telling you and you are more likely to be able to get back out running again and to enjoy it for the long term.