Ad7 wrote:What are people's thoughts on running with a bad back? My lower back is really hurting and has been for a week now so I didn't go yesterday, but I feel like a fat banana split for not doing it so I plan on going today. Should I be doing it?
You are already dead etc.
I suffer from something similar, though it mainly gets worse as I run - usually at about the 5 minute mark.
I have a very thorough warm up that I have to do, which usually mitigates the problem. If I don't have time, such as when running at lunchtime, then I usually regret it.
Bear in mind the problem is almost certainly caused by something else: ie it's a problem with a different part of your body that manifests itself in lower back pain.
Weak hamstrings and a weak core are frequent contributors to a bad back. For me, it's both of those, as well as a lack of mobility through my hips.
Before you run next time, try doing leg swings. They are a dynamic warm up that helps 'free up' the hips and which always improve my back pain by several measures (be sure to do the forwards ones and the side-to-side ones):
But as a long-term fix, look at strengthening your core and hamstrings.