Hello everyone. My name is Bobbi. It's been 14 days since my last run.
And honestly, while I miss it like crazy, it was a necessary break. Last week was harrowing for me - I felt like shit for physical and emotional reasons and I was too busy processing to worry about it. The weekend forecast was beautiful and our calendar was not jam packed so I was looking forward to running over the weekend.
But then? On Saturday I was on the floor in a "lower back stretch" kind of pose with my knees up under me, leaning forward. We were sorting our family jar of change and counting it out. I figured it was a good opportunity to stretch at the same time, since I'd jacked up my back hauling James around the zoo the previous weekend.
While I was down there, my right lower back and hip spasmed uncontrollably. I couldn't get up and it took my breath away, it hurt so bad.
Once I managed to get up off the floor and stand up, it settled down. I was heading out later for a girls night with a friend so I decided a long hot shower was in order. The rest of the night passed by with no recurrence, and I figured it was a one time thing.
The next morning I got up to use the bathroom and while I was sitting on the toilet, it did it again. My husband was getting worried about me, because it made me cry out in pain and brought tears to my eyes. And I have a pretty ridiculously high pain tolerance. I tried to lay back down, but I couldn't get comfortable. And the kids were up anyhow (curse you DST!!!) so I gave up on that rather quickly. I was sitting in out desk chair with Julia, my 5 year old, next to me and it hit me again. I was BAWLING. I am not sure I've ever experienced anything so excruciating in my life. Poor thing, she was so worried about me. But I was unable to hide it from her. She kept giving me "gentle hugs so I don't hurt your back, Mommy!" Too sweet.
This happened a few more times throughout the morning. Needless to say, there was no running. It was worse when I sat, so I spent the better part of the day standing, because I was afraid to sit down. But by the end of the day, I'd learned how to manage it, and how to anticipate and avoid it.
I have no clue what brought this on. It's sore today, mostly from being wrapped so tight so often yesterday, I'm sure. But it hasn't happened again. Since it doesn't bother me when I'm upright, I think I might try to run a very little bit super gingerly tomorrow. But we'll see.
Has anyone experienced spasms like this before? I'm not sure how much to baby myself since this - I have no clue what the "right" thing to do is....
I had a lower back spasm several months ago on a long run, really freaked me out. Nothing since then, no way to know what caused it. Bizarre.
ReplyDeleteCrazy about the recurring spasms. I had what seemed like a back sprain across my middle back right after Chicago...I was sort of doing nothing when it happened...isn't that always the way?
ReplyDeleteHope you don't encounter any more spasms. I've never had one but have been dealing with some odd back pain that I've never had before...it's only when I'm sitting around though!
ReplyDeleteOh sweet Bobbi- I hope you have no more spasms. Shortly after my 4th child was born (pre running) I pulled a muscle in my back. I couldnt move at all, my husband had to lift me up and move me around. But no one could really tell me what caused it.
ReplyDeleteI would just take it easy and let your muscles relax.
I am feeling your" pain" about not running too. I have ran a big whopping 12 miles since the marathon. I was hoping my son would take a nap today so that I could run but that is not looking like it is going to happen. I sooooo need to run!!!!!
Bobbi: Sometimes I think our bodies just freak out. I hope you are doing better. You will run again soon, sometimes worrying about it just gets you even more freaked out. Just take some time. You will run when you can!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds awful! I hope you feel better soon. I hate when you anticipate something so you are scared to do normal every day things (such as sitting down). I pulled a muscle in my leg and sometimes find myself doing odd things because it "might" hurt if I did it normal.
ReplyDeleteI haven't run since July and while I wish I was running, I don't seem to wish it enough to figure out when I can run and fit it in my schedule.
Wow! I wish I had some advice to offer. This sounds terrible. I don't know if rest is what is needed but if it continues please don't hesitate to see a doctore! Giving up running/workouts now is better than not getting to run later.
ReplyDeletethat sounds awful! Maybe you can find a physical therapy clinic...I know we give "free evals"...maybe there is one around you that does the same?!?! good luck sweetie!
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