Strengthen your core without hurting your back

Research indicates that core strength is very important because it creates a strong and stable base for the body and can help us function better with less pain and risk for injury.  For those who experience back pain, increasing core strength can be particularly valuable to provide support for the spine and surrounding structures.  However, many of the traditional methods for strengthening your core also stress your back.  Consider the following when strengthening your core:

1- Traditional sit-ups can strain the neck and low back by putting compressive forces through the intervertebral disc and surrounding structures.

Image result for image supine alternating arms legs
Supine alternating arms/legs is a safe option
2- Abdominal exercises which involve rotation of the spine (crunches with rotation) can also strain the neck and low back by putting compressive forces through the intervertebral disc and surrounding structures.

3- It is best to keep you neck and spine neutral when strengthening the core. You might consider Supine Alternating Arms/Legs, which maintains good alignment in the spine. Planks, bridging with kicks, and a variety of other exercises with the spine in neutral are also great options.

For more information on safely strengthening your core, visit us at www.risepacificphysicaltherapy.com or call to schedule an appointment: (818)318-2430

We are conveniently located in Thousand Oaks at:
195 E Hillcrest Drive #114
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

It's time to RISE.

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