Expert: Margot RN BScN GNC - 8/6/2009

Question
Hello! I have a job delivering newspapers at night. I get out of my Honda civic which is low to the ground and used to run to each house after getting out of my vehicle. I've had this job a year and a half. About two months ago I started getting tense in the muscles in my rear end. I was very sore every day. Then my hips started to hurt and I couldn't tell what the problem was. Stretching helped but didn't stop the pain. So I started going to my job earlier so that I can walk on the job instead of run. Walking healed the pain over a week and then my muscles felt very tired, which my boyfriend said is what happens after healing takes place. I am still a little tired in the rear muslces but no real pain. The problem is that I stopped going to the gym, hiking and anything that hurt and I want to go back to my normal regimen but I am afraid of my muscles getting tight and hurting again. All I have been able to do is swim and yoga exercises. My question is, how much longer should I wait until I can start running again? Will there be a time when they are completely healed or am I doomed to walk forever? If you have any other advice I'd really appreciate it. Thank you for your time and the best to you and your's!

Answer
Hi Jenny and thanks for writing,

It sounds to me like you may have an injury to the muscles or nerves in your pelvic region, no doubt due in part to jumping in and out of the low vehicle.  My advice is to listen to your body and see how it reacts as you slowly increase your activities.  You might also try taking a simple anti-inflammatory like Advil as you resume activities to help prevent inflammation and pain.

I’m glad you’re going to Yoga, this should help stretch and strengthen the affected muscles.  If you attend a class try to speak with the instructor about which moves are best for your pain and which you should avoid.  You might also try some Classic Pilates as those exercises can be safely adjusted around the pain.  

If the pain does not go away with proper rest and gentle stretching then you should go see your doctor to rule out a possible tear which may just continue to hurt and get worse until treated.

Sorry I can’t specifically identify your pain, but there are so many possible causes I can only offer very general advice.

Wishing you all the best

All my best,
Margot