Running problem

[junglesteve]

Lately, when I'm running, after about a mile I start to have a pain in my lower abdomen. I am worried it might be a hernia. I'm hoping it could be caused by weak muscles in my core. I never work my core ever (mostly because crunches and sit ups make me freaking dizzy) I should do leg raises I guess.



Awww man :( Everything I read points to 'sports hernia'

I really cant afford to have a hernia diagnosed right now. Currently in the process of joining the air force and hernia surgery would stop that.

[golentan]

If it is a hernia, you can't really afford to have it not diagnosed. And the playground is not the best place to go for medical advice, despite how awesome everybody-except-me is.

[Marnath]

Yeah, there really is no way around it, if it's a hernia you have to get it fixed. If it's not, may I suggest you walk fast instead? Much easier on everything but the knees.

[Kobold-Bard]

I sympathise with not wanting to mess with your chances of applying, but it'll be worse to go part or all the way through the application process and suffer the effects of an untreated hernia and have to drop out anyway.

[DeadManSleeping]

I severely doubt it's a hernia unless it's in the EXACT same place EVERY time. Otherwise, you probably have the same problem that I do with running and all exercise: being a pansy (i.e. weak core muscles).

But sports hernias do suck. My cousin got one once. They can strike anybody, and they're horrible.

[snoopy13a]

I'm pretty sure that crunches/sit-ups are part of the physical fitness test so you'll have to do them anyway.

How long do you run after eating? Personally, I get side-stiches and pains if I run after eating.

Try running first thing in the morning and don't eat anything beforehand (if you don't already).

[Jack Squat]

How long have you been running? About how long ago did you start getting the pains? Did you recently pick up the pace? Do you stretch before and after you run? Does it subside a little after you stop running?

I'm thinking it might just be a muscle cramp. I'll get them if I push myself too hard after not doing anything for awhile.

[Cyrion]

Additionally, if you've really got a hernia it will hurt when you do things other than running.

Now, for all that everyone's trying to reassure you that there are other options besides a hernia, you should always see a doctor if you start developing consistent pain when you run. There's something wrong and ignoring it is not a recipe for long-term health.

[Don Julio Anejo]

This is pretty normal if you have a weak cardiovascular system and/or never ran much, it _should_ go away as your fitness improves. Occam's razor people, this isn't an episode of House.

[Falgorn]

I'm a current runner and I'd have to say, from my experience, it's normal. Don't quote me on it though, but around the second or third mile I would start to get the worst of cramps around there.
Try to do core excercises, though. They really, really help.

[Kastanok]

I don't really have any information on the problem but maybe you could find out more information from Dr Yankovic (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjM8Qn5XmAE)?

[Melayl]

There are a load of core strengthening exercises beyond sit-ups. Here are (http://www.bigbackpain.com/back_exercises.html) a few links (http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/back-problems-and-injuries-prevention) with good examples (http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/backexercises.html) of non-crunch (http://www.physioadvisor.com.au/8120750/upper-back-exercises-upper-back-strengthening-ex.htm) core exercises (http://www.physioadvisor.com.au/8120034/lower-back-strengthening-exercises-lower-back-re.htm).

The links say "back" exercises, but they all focus on core (since core strength = back stability/strength). Some of the links have links to back/core stretching as well. They'd also be good for you -- AFTER you see a doctor to find out why you're having the pain in the first place. DO NOT start those exercises until the doc says it is ok.

Good luck. :smallsmile: