abdominal crunches & back ache

[eudony]

Hi Jeff,

I have the same problem. Thats why i just registered at this site.

I thought my problem was due to an old injury to my lower lumbar - an old compression fracture to two lower lumbar. But i recently spoke to some physical trainers and they told me that its due to bad posture. Which for me, is very true. I slouch waaaay too much. Apparently if the back muscles get trained up through exercise and correct posture, the backache associated to doing crunches (and other exercises) should go away with time.

Im not sure if its true, hoping others can either correct me or confirm this. Anyone?...

[alpana]

Hi, The muscles of the back work eccentrically during forward bending (similar to crunches) of the body. You should understand that eccentric work of the muscles is very demanding, and if your muscles are weak, you are bound to expereice pain. It is very much suggested that if you feel pain in back while doing the crunches, then you should stop the crunches and concentrate on strengthening the back muscles. Check ou which muscles of your back are weak. Very high chances of having latissimus dorsi muscle weakness along with the bacvk extensors. Once these muscle are strong, then you can start the crunches again.

[HealthJunkie]

I do not recommend abs crunches. The reason, they do not work. Ask
anyone with a six pack if they do crunches. There are more effective exercises.

[JeffK]

such as...............? Ta, Jeff