For some reason, every time i try doing an ab exercise, I always get back pains. It only occurs while i do the exercise. I am only 16 years old. The only thing that does not give me back pain is when i lay on a ball and do crunches. Does anyone know how to get rid of my back pain?
#1 by David on July 23rd, 2010
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Any exercise that hurts your back needs to be stopped. There are a lot of ways to work your abs that are more back friendly. Crunches are good, either on the ball or on the floor. When on the floor the more your bend your knees and bring your feet closer to your butt the more it works your upper abs. The flatter your legs are the more it works your lower abs.
For crunches on the floor just raise your shoulders off of the floor and go back down. Do lots of reps and if you think that is too wimpy for you try holding a 25lb barbell weight on your chest or even better hold it behind your head and do 25 crunches.
Leg lifts and V-sits are also good and you can do those while keeping your back straight.
Good Luck, and let me know how you are doing.
Dave
oolbp@living-with-back-pain.org/
#2 by John on July 23rd, 2010
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Josh,
Good choice to ask about how to get past this. As you probably know the more you do painful exercises the worse shape your back will be 10 years down the road. You may not feel it right away but you will eventually.
The stronger those muscles get the more likely it is that you will not have that back pain anymore. There are numerous yoga exercises that can help with strengthening the back: the cobra is one. Pushups can help with back muscles as well. Same as above, stop these if it continues to hurt. Keep doing the crunches on the ball – those will pay off in time. If the pain persists do visit a doctor and tell them everything you’ve told me.
The most effective solution I can see is buying an Ab Roller which is a device designed to keep the stress off your back. It lets you target the abs while not straining your back. You are totally right to want to get rid of that pain.
Good luck getting some awesome abs!
John
#3 by Kevin Gaskin on July 23rd, 2010
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Hi Josh,
You might be simply out of alignment. You might have strong ab muscles but the other core muscles that support your spine might be weaker and your back pain is the result.
Simply strengthen your back muscles and buttocks muscles and you will be pain free quickly.
Check out this link http://www.squidoo.com/Back_Strengthening_Exercises for more on back strengthening exercises.
Hope this helps.
#4 by BCAuk on July 23rd, 2010
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You should certainly avoid an exercise that is causing you back pain at the moment. You might want to see your doctor so they can examine you and advise you on an appropriate course of action. This might involve referral to someone like a chiropractor for treatment and advice.