Hi,

I have been running on and off for a while and after every run I get a really achey back. Could this be because I wear normal trainers and not running shoes?

It could be...

It's probably because you've got weak back muscles and they're straining to deal with all the extra stress you're putting on it.

I picked this up myself a while back.

Are you spending a fair proportion of the day sitting in uncomfortable chairs or driving? If so that could also be a reason.

Try doing back extensions and some of the others, suggested in the thread on most useful core exercises, that should sort you out.

Agree with Bryn R.
Go to a proper running shop where you can have a gait analysis before buying the correct running shoe for you.Worth spending reasonable money on right shoes.

After taking up running in January I had the same problem, but after adding a range of back stretching exercises to my warm ups and down have had no recurrence.

Thanks guys, I have just found a coach on tiredandtested.com who's created a programme of stretches for me to do before my runs. Any recommendations for shoes?

I have regualr seesions with a chiropractor as my last two vertebrae have become locked. It was getting better but I went for a swim and inflamed it again.I don't generally get pain when running (I really tey to focus on my posture then) but when I've been sitting down for long periods - unfortunately have a desk job.

What strengthening exercises are you doing? I've recently took up pilates (although I was on holiday last week and missed a class) and I find it really helps.