Is the end of running for me - lower back pain?

'I hope to start to some PT this week'

Way too soon to give up. I'm on the comeback trail as well you have to not give up

Check out this guy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joss_Naylor

This guy spent his teens upto early 20's in a back brace, before binning it and starting running

I've had a few acute back injuries and it takes 1-2 years to get the strength and mobility back even with rehab. Be patient.

I had issues with a bulging lumbar disc. It ruined every race I ran for two years. I did everything possible to increase my flexibility and strengthen it, but nothing worked. I finally found a PT and his advice was to leave my back alone-- don't stretch, do strength exercises, and avoid bending over at the hip. He told me to focus on increasing my hamstring flexibility instead. I followed his advice and to my surprise it worked.

Not sure if this helps, but you'll figure out something that works for you. Sorry if there are errors in the post, using a phone to post.

You have seen a back surgeon, right?

I volunteer in a medical clinic. One of the nurses told me that they have a saying about back surgery. I can't remember the exact quote, but it was something like "50% of the time the surgery makes it better and 50% it makes it worse."

I would read "Healing Back Pain, the Mind Body Connection" by Dr. Sarno. I had lower back pain after the beginning of an injury and I was got really depressed and ended up with back pain, reading the book cleared it up in a matter of days, whether that was related or not who knows, but the reviews are pretty astounding for it if you read up on Amazon, it's definitely worth a shot considering what you have the possibility of avoiding.

I would suggest you pick up "Pain Free", by Pete Egoscue.

Lots of really good information in there, and I imagine it could help you a ton. Definitely read it and try it out before you slip too far down the slope of medication, PT, surgery, etc... that is all too common nowadays.

Best of luck to you. Pain sucks.

NOT the end, as other posters poiunted out. I had to quit training for a marathon in '96 because of back issues. Seven years later, I ran two, and two years after that qualified for Boston. Stretch, work on strength, and take your time with it. You might also want to consider adding barefoot running as part of your training, as the form changes will reduce shock load on your back. Good luck!