Strengthen Core to Reduce Back Pain

Core strengthening is more than just achieving six-pack abs. Developing strong abdominal muscles may actually help prevent back pain by making you less prone to back injuries and teaching you proper spinal alignment.
Many people have back pain—whether it's upper back pain or low back pain—and this may be partly caused by weak abdominal muscles. Since your abs are the front anchor of your spine, if they are weak, then the other structures supporting your spine (your back muscles, for example) will have to work harder. By developing stronger core muscles, you'll be less likely to injure or strain your back muscles.
Preventing back pain caused by muscle strain can be pretty simple—if you know how to avoid it in the first place. Other than maintaining good posture and developing core strength, there are a few key techniques that may help you steer clear of back pain:
• Stretch regularly: Since many of us spend most days sitting at a desk, stretching for a few minutes a day may be very beneficial.
• Lose weight if necessary: Being overweight puts extra strain on your back.
• Be sure to get enough sleep: Aim for 8 or more hours of sleep every night. As with your mind, your spine needs rest, too. It supports the weight of your back, so make sleep a priority.
• Incorporate proper techniques when lifting something: Use the strength of your legs instead of your back to lift.
The Significance of Core Strength
If you think about it, your core is in the center of your body. It needs to be strong to support the weight of your entire body, including your back and neck. Adding core strengthening to your exercise routine can help protect your back and neck. By boosting your core strength, you'll also be less likely to rely on other back pain treatments, such as medications.
It's important to incorporate exercises that work all of your abdominal muscles equally. Core exercises should involve the major muscles in your abdomen, including your internal and external obliques and the transverse abdominals.
Core Strengthening Exercises for Back Pain
Below are some examples of common abdominal exercises that can help you develop strong abs and prevent back pain.
These exercises and the number of repetitions are just suggestions. Talk to your doctor before incorporating these exercises into your exercise routine, and remember to listen to your body. If something doesn't feel right, stop immediately.
Elbow Plank
• Lie down on your stomach with your body in a straight line. Your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle and close to the sides of your body. Rest your forearms on the floor and interlace your fingers.
• Gently push your body up using your forearms. Don't' let your back drop: Keep your body in a straight line.
• Engage your core muscles during the entire movement.
• Hold this position for 30 seconds, release, and repeat 3 times. Do this move once a day.
Abdominal Crunches
• Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor, about hip-distance apart.
• Interlace your fingers and place both of your hands behind your head with your elbows wide. Inhale and then as you exhale, use the strength of your abdominal muscles—not your neck muscles—to slowly raise your head, neck, and upper back off the floor.
• Inhale as you slowly lower your upper body to the floor, and repeat.
• Do 3 sets of 10 abdominal crunches every day.
• abdominal crunches.
Push-ups
• Lie down on your stomach so that your body is in a straight line.
• Place your hands on the floor so that they're a little higher than your shoulders. The position of your hands should also be wider than your shoulders. At the same time, lift your body so that you're balancing on your hand and toes.
• Keeping a straight back, lower your body to the floor by slowly bending your elbows until they're at 90 degrees. Push back up using the strength of your arms, upper back, and chest muscles, and repeat.
• Do 3 sets of 10 push-ups every day. As your body becomes stronger, you can do more repetitions.
By doing these and other core exercises every day, you'll notice that your core strength leads to overall body strength.
In addition, there are certain types of exercise that can help you develop core strength, such as yoga and Pilates.
It's also a good idea to work with a physical therapist. He or she can develop a specific exercise plan that involves core strengthening exercises and flexibility exercises to keep your spine healthy and help you maintain good posture.
Have a conversation with your doctor as well. Your doctor will let you know if there are any exercises you should avoid or that may increase your back pain. As with any exercise, if you experience increased pain while doing core strengthening exercises, stop and call your doctor or physical therapist immediately.