treadmill vs. elliptical

[diggers]

Recently learned that I have a spur in my lower back.  I'm only 30 years old but have used a treadmill for 4 years and before that I walked religiously on pavement.  i was wondering if the impact of my treadmill would worsen this condition.

Would an elliptical machine work better.  Plus I thought that the new movement might get me off this standstill of my weightloss.  I was overweight until I was about 20 years old and after nine years of marriage I'm 15 pounds heaviet than the day i married.

Any opinions are welcome.

[StAnthony]

Dont walk/run heel to toe. The foot in front of you when you run should be parallel with the ground or slightly pointed down. When you run heel to toe your foot is in dorsi flexion which means the foot is facing towards the sky. When the heel hits the groundin dorsi flexion it will cause the front of the foot to slam on the ground which causes the anterior tibialis (muscle located near the shin) to tear away from the tibia (shin bone) which causes shin splints. Running with your front foot even to the ground is also easier on the joints, hips and lower back.

[jatiga]

I have purchased a treadmill, started to walk daily for 40-50 minutes on incline. After 3 weeks, I have been getting split shins. I have stop for few weeks but each time I re-started after 10-20 minutes the pain was back. I tried the usual exercises to support the muscle, but there was no significant recovery. For me to get back in full gear. Someone suggested perhaps changing shoes will help.
I bought $220 Oasics Gel-NimbusVII, started to run and I have to say I am shin splits free.

[diggers]

Thanks

I talked to my doctor yesterday and he agreed with me that it would be wise to go to the elliptical.  But to make sure that I don't where out the knees, if I have a knee problem, with the constant motion and to remember to go backwards as well.

Thanks a lot

[Robin67]

I'm not a doctor but I was in the army a developed shin splits (I think that is the term) any slight pressure to my shins kills me...anyway I've switched to the ellptical and I don't have any pain in my shins, I would think this would be the same for back pain. You're not pounding on your body as hard as the treadmill or pavement. But best thing to do is try it out and see how it is. Also is most commercial gyms that have skiing machines and other things like that that are low impact.  I know they have them at the Athletic Club if thats in your area. Also 15 pounds is not bad at all!! Especially over 9 years! Good Luck