Running HM with back pain

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jomo_richmond Aug 2018 7:38am, 11 Aug 2018 21 posts	0 jomo_richmond I am due to run the Dublin R&R half tomorrow but have managed to pick up some very unpleasant back pain. Not sure how I did it (lugging suitcases?) but I have severe muscle spasms in my lower right back and the pain is all pervasive, restricting movement and I find it hard to get out of bed, etc. Been to the physio and used ice, Voltarol, etc but it's still very painful. Went for a light run this morning and could really feel it (although it wasn't shooting down my leg - just restricted to my lower back). I'm in the middle of training for Berlin and this was my one opportunity to do a decent HM as there aren't that many around this time of year. Am I just being an idiot for even thinking about running Dublin tomorrow? Have any of you run a race with similar pain? Trying to balance my usual belligerence and the need to have a decent sub marathon pace HM run in with not setting back my overall Berlin plan. Thanks
oumaumau Aug 2018 5:47pm, 11 Aug 2018 967 posts	0 oumaumau I'm tempted to say yes - it's not a good idea to run. I've suffered with a bad back a few times, and it's always rest that fixes it. As it stands you'll miss a few days running, if you race you risk a few weeks out, if not more. Just my 2p-worth, it's up to you really.
oumaumau Aug 2018 5:51pm, 11 Aug 2018 968 posts	0 oumaumau And for reference I had to miss a race this year because of a gum abscess.. It didn't even hurt, but apparently the infection could've spread due to the intensity, or something, so I took the sensible option.
Bintmcskint Aug 2018 5:55pm, 11 Aug 2018 40,922 posts	0 Bintmcskint I have to say I agree with oumaumau. It probably isn't what you want to hear but your back does sound very painful and rest is the most sensible option without a doubt. Berlin is your bigger goal and, if it were me, that's what I would be thinking about. Of course it is up to you Either way, I hope you heal soon. I had 10 weeks out recently with a back injury and it was no fun at all!
um Aug 2018 6:01pm, 11 Aug 2018 411 posts	0 um I'm with the others - 2 or 3 days rest now or risk 2 or 3 weeks enforced rest if you run? But you & the physion know if it's serious ( all pervasive, difficult to get out of bed sounds like it is) You don't need a formal 13 mile / half marathon race - you can always run your own whenever you feel ready. Anything 12 - 14 miles on appropriate terrain will do ...
jomo_richmond Aug 2018 12:21pm, 12 Aug 2018 22 posts	0 jomo_richmond Thanks for the advice. I sort of compromised, which probably still was pushing it. My back felt a lot better this morning after a day of ice, Voltarol, etc so I could actually run without the pain I had on Saturday. However I didn’t want to risk it so just ran slowly as a training run and thankfully it didn’t seem to trigger my back. Will build in some rest and physio in the coming days.