Krista - Abs, abs, abs. My husband has an awful back. He used to throw it out & I'd have to drag him around on a throw rug for a week. He is more physically fit than I ever could be. Lifts weights, runs, has an awesome physique, former marine (he's 40 now), you get the picture, but his back...
Last time he "threw it out" he couldn't even walk. In the past he went to chiropractors where they gave him electric shock therapy or something like that for his back. They even told him that he had an extra vertabrae & needed back surgery. This time I took him to a Massage therapist/accupuncturist who travels to the olympics, great credentials, etc. Various family members had used this guy b4. My husband was very skeptical, but so desperate he was willing to try anything. After 1 hour, he had my husband standing upright & walking. My "macho" husband was in tears of relief, literally, when he realized he could stand up straight again just after 1 hour. (He hasn't had any probs since. When he feels his back wince, he concentrates on training his abs for a few days straight & that takes care of it).
Just had to give you the whole background, before I told you that this guy told my husband you must, must, must train your abs! Strengthen the opposing muscle of the one that's bothering you is the theory, I guess. B-4 he runs now, my DH does about 2 minutes of intense abs on one of those giant balls, then goes. I slow down & do about 5 minutes @ a moderate pace & it's helped my back as well.
So I guess that's a long winded yes! Do your abs.
Incidentally, if you have problems with your knees after running, which I do, he told me that during my warm up b4 I run, to walk/run backwards for 3-5 minutes. Alas, no more knee probs.
Hope this helps!
Jodi