One of the runners I coach came to me last week complaining about arm pain. She said she felt pain and a tingling sensation in her right forearm, and she thought that her running form was causing it. Her upper body form looked fine, so I suspected that the cause of the pain was not from running, but possibly a work-related issue such as a repetitive stress injury. I asked her questions about her job: Does she work on a computer all day? Does she have an ergonomically correct work station? She told me that she is in front of a computer all day and she admitted that her work station could probably use some ergonomic improvements.
A few days later, she reported back to me that her company's ergonomics expert checked out her work station and made some important changes, such as adding a keyboard tray and adjusting her chair. The adjustments seem to be making a difference: She's already felt some reduction in her arm pain.
So, if you're having wrist, arm, shoulder, back, or neck pain while running, don't assume that your running is causing the problem. Pay attention to what else you're doing during the day that might be the culprit!
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Hi Christine,
I’m not leaving a comment for just this post–rather, I want to thank you for the wealth of resources you have provided to runners in your About articles and here on your blog. It is not only the information I appreciate but your consideration of opposing viewpoints sometimes, such as in “To Stretch or Not To Stretch – That is the Question!” Too many people who give advice presuppose only one way to do something–their way.
I have returned to running after many years away and it seems that every time I have a question I can find an answer here. So thank you, and keep the information coming.
Thanks for the feedback! It’s great to hear about someone who has come back to running after a long break. I’m glad that you’ve been able to use this site as a resource.