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Lower back hurts....

LynnBirchfield
LynnBirchfield Posts: 581 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
...my daughter says I need to strengthen my core -- which I understand that would support my back. But, how do I strenghten my core when I definitely can't do a plank. Do sit-ups help or crunches? I need help as I'm using this as an excuse. :( Thanks.

Replies

  • kaned_ferret
    kaned_ferret Posts: 618 Member
    I was given good exercises by my chiropractor to do to aid my lower back issues. However the exercise regime is to be thought of as "a prescription" as it won't suit everyone, so rather than telling you what to do, my advice would be to see medical professional, to determine the cause of your back pain, and the best exercises to help resolve it and strengthen the area.

    None of my exercises were situps / crunches by the way :)
  • terri0527
    terri0527 Posts: 678 Member
    I couldn't do planks to start with either, I had to work my way into doing them a little at a time, right I can do a 30 sec plank ...working on 45 sec now...may not seem like a lot but for me it seems the hardest exercise I've done. lol and it looks so simple. Unless you have an injury that prevents you from being able to do them, they have helped me a lot. Good luck!! :smile:
  • sebbysmommy
    sebbysmommy Posts: 63 Member
    I strained my lower back a few weeks ago and man was it painful! I am working on my core as well now!

    Crunches, bicycle crunches, and standing ab work were my go to's while my back was healing.

    Here is a link to some standing ab work: http://www.livestrong.com/article/95556-standing-ab-exercises/
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    Good mornings (NOT WEIGHTED) helped a lot in recovery after I injured my lower back. a physical therapist is your best resource, of course.


    I've only ever found situps to agitate back problems. Some people suggest avoiding them entirely for that reason.
  • js370
    js370 Posts: 140
    Deadlifts and 45 degree back extensions are good workouts. Start out light if you do decide to do deadlifts and have someone show you the proper way.
  • secretlobster
    secretlobster Posts: 3,566 Member
    You say you have lower back pain... Strengthening your core muscles isn't going to alleviate back pain. It may help, but it's not a cure. You should see a chiropractor and look at ways to improve your posture. If you work a desk job, it's important to get up and walk around once in a while.

    I have been working on my core muscles for years... I can plank for 5 minutes straight, and I still experience back pain because my posture isn't great and I sit down most of the day. If you have back pain it is most likely because there is something you're doing in your everyday life that is traumatic to your spine. Also, yoga helps a LOT!!
  • Grannyjojo
    Grannyjojo Posts: 1
    I was inextreme pain for a year. Managed to lose 25 pounds, AND, most importantly, I worked with a trainer besides physical therapy and am now much much better. I have severe back problems but cant see that surgery will help so I work at keeping fit at an old age. I never get on the floor or do situps but am surviving nevertheless.
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