Low Back Injuries/Conditions - Ab exercises for bad backs

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Ab exercises for bad backs

Printed From: CyberPT - Your Online Physical Therapy Resource
Category: Patient Forum
Forum Name: Low Back Injuries/Conditions
Forum Description: Patients can post questions and experiences about low back injuries/conditions.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=481
Printed Date: Apr 24 2024 at 1:08pm
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Topic: Ab exercises for bad backs

Posted By: Ask a PT
Subject: Ab exercises for bad backs
Date Posted: Sep 03 2009 at 2:43pm

Our user asked: "About 2 years ago, I had a back injury resulting in a compression fracture midway up my back and a slipped disk on my lower back. Presently, i'm ok as long as I ensure proper body mechanics from day to day. My question is, in addition to diet and exercise, is there any exercise I can do to target my abdominals, that will not cause further strain to my back?"

Ask a PT Response: "For my patients who have similiar conditions such as yourself, it is not a good idea to stress the back extensively. Full sit ups are never recommended for abdominal strengthening. Stability ball exericses, some mat exercises, wall exercises and some machines could be utilized to assist with abdominal and core strengthening. There are some examples of these exercises which PTs' prescribe on our exercise videos page. "