Why It's Often Confused
Lower Back sits in the same body region as several other running injuries. The wrong call can turn a 2-week recovery into a 2-month one.
Lower Back vs Sciatica
Sciatica radiates down the leg with possible numbness — mechanical lower back pain stays local.
Lower Back vs Lumbar Stress Fracture (Spondylolysis)
Stress fractures of the spine cause sharp pain with extension (arching back) — common in young athletes and require imaging.
When to Get Imaging
If pain is pinpoint, worsens at rest, wakes you at night, or persists more than 2-3 weeks despite reduced training — see a sports medicine clinician for imaging. Don't wait it out.
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