running and OA

I really would like to try running. When I walk it is natural for me to break into a run, and I love the feeling I get from the movement of running. Issue is I have arthritis in upper and lower spine, worry the jarring motion may impact it (so far, I have less pain after short bursts, not more). I am about 10 lb above Dr. goal, have lost 97. Work out several times a week with free weights/nautilus and treadmill. Any ideas about protecting spine while running? Bought Ryka women's running shoes that are supposed to help properly align joints to reduce injury. Ideas on form, running surface? All advice welcome, I do see my pain specialist next week and will ask her as well. Thanks!  Jenny T

Not sure about the shoes you bought but if you get fitted at a running store you will get the right shoe for your stride and foot. Other than shoes I would focus on strengthening back and core muscle groups as part of your weights to better support your spine. Also listen to your body and don't push to hard.

Good luck.

What Paul said!   Reeeeally focus on core strengthening and be very conscious about keeping your stomach muscles tight like a girdle while you're running (and really, all the time if your spine is already arthritic).  Stretch out good afterwards, and at least a couple of times a day, make sure the quads and especially hip flexors get a good stretch.  While you're doing those, make sure the hip you're not stretching stays flexed and your abs stay tight to help keep your pelvis from tipping forward and putting strain on the spine while you're holding the stretch.

Go to a real running store, not footlocker or someone trying to sell you a gimick shoe.  Unless it is an orthopedic shoe prescribed by a doctor, I would be leary of any claims like that.
A good store will watch you run.  One of my local stores actually video tapes you running on the treadmill and in the store, they then review the tape with you, pointing out how you foot lands, and what your body is doing.  They then recommend a shoe based on your running to provide you the best support they can.

Surface comfort in this order
Treadmill and padded track surface like the colleges and some High Schools have
Grass and dirt
Blacktop
Concrete.

The concrete sidewalks can be up to 10x harder than asphalt/blacktop.  If you are running on the road, avoid the sidewalk and use the street when it's safe and possible.

Stick to running on a treadmill.  Much easier on the joints as it is a much softer surface.  Elipticals are also very good for getting a good workout done without the jarring motion.  Turn the resistance all the way up and I guarantee you'll feel it in the morning :)  

Thanks, Sara. Sadly, as I posted earlier, running on a treadmill terrifies me, I am afraid I will fall off the back, so only walk fast and hang on for dear life. I get very jealous of ladies running gracefully next to me, look no hands! Will try the ellliptical they have one at my gym, it just looks very intimidating. jat

Oh I know that feeling all too well!  Have a trainer help you with the eliptical!  You will love it I promise.  It has great smooth motion and is a great work out.  Let me know how it goes.

Sarah