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Guys, I'd appreciate some advice. A couple of months ago I somehow (still don't know how, but I blame those one-legged Romanian deadlifts) managed to put my back out. I woke up one morning unable to stand up straight or walk without pain. The doctor declared this to be sciatica and prescribed plenty of rest and some strong painkillers/anti-inflammatories. I was upright and walking again in a couple of weeks, albeit slowly and not too far, and eventually I've been able to start running again. I'm taking it slow and I'm nowhere near the 5km I used to do every week, but I'm building up. The main aim is "Don't Injure My Back Again". It aches a little these days but I have mobility and it doesn't hurt like it did. I think my muscles need to build themselves up again. I have a couple of questions that I'd appreciate some advice on. Is this a good idea? My heart says yes, and I do want to get some more running in before winter seriously sets in, but would I be better with walking until my back recovers fully? Or is running the best way to build back up? These back problems also scotched my bodyweight routines (I haven't dared try a push-up since). I'd like to start introducing some back strengthening exercises but I don't want to push too hard and injure myself. Which ones would you recommend? I was thinking of starting with squats and then perhaps easing back into push-ups with wall/knee variants. Thanks all!

Hey everyone! I am determined to get fit again after I let my own back issues get the best of me! The problem is that I have no clue what some good strength training exercises I can do without killing my back (until I can get my strength up). For your info in answering this, I have hip bursitis, sciatica and lower lumbar arthritis, but it's not going to rule my life anymore! If anyone has/had the same issues and can give advice on where to begin so I don't hurt myself I would GREATLY appreciate it!!