Spinal Stabilization

Partial Sit Up

Partial sit ups are recommended for people with back pain. The same muscle groups are worked out without putting stress on the lower back. You will start just like a regular sit up with your back on the floor, both feet on the floor, and your knees bent. Raise your head, neck, and shoulders off of the floor and hold that position for 5 seconds. This exercise will strengthen your core and is simple to do. Repeat as many times as you can, with a goal of increasing your reps each day.

Knee To Chest

You start this exercise the same way like the partial sit up. Begin the exercise by drawing one of your knees to your chest, using both hands (only one foot is now on air). Hold to the count of 10, then slowly release it to the rest position. Do 4-5 repetitions, and then repeat with your other leg, then both legs at the same time. This exercise stretches your glutes and back.

Hip Roll

Start this exercise flat on your back with your arms extended out to the side. Bend your knees and lift your feet off of the ground. You will now rotate your hips to the side so that your legs become parallel with the floor. Rotate from side to side for 5-10 repetitions. This is another core exercise that strengthens your abdominal muscles.

Low Back Extension

Start by laying flat on your stomach with your hands to your side. Lift your head and upper body off of the ground by using the muscles in your lower back. Hold this position for 4-5 seconds and then lower yourself back down. Repeat 10-15 times.

Cat-Camel

Position yourself on all fours with hands directly beneath your shoulders and knees directly beneath your hips with your back straight. Use your abdominal muscles to push your back towards the ceiling, arching it like a cat. You should notice your head will point down towards the floor. Next, drop your back so that your lower back extends. Your head should raise when doing this. Make sure to keep your elbows straight the entire time, the only movement should be in your spine. Repeat this 12-15 times.

Back Extension

This exercise is best performed with a stability ball. Lay with your stomach on the stability ball with your hands behind your head. Tighten your abdominal muscles and use your lower back muscles by contracting your glutes to lift your shoulders and chest off the ball.

Superman

Lie face down with your arms extended above your head. Tighten your abdominal muscles and lift your arms and legs off the ground. It should look like you are in a Superman like flying position. Hold this for about 30 seconds and then release. You may be tempted to hold your breath when clenching your abdominal muscles. DON'T! Control your breathing while holding this position.

Double Leg Lifts

Using a stability ball, lay face down with your hands on the floor in front of the ball. Raise both legs off of the floor until your body is horizontal and hold the position for about 10 seconds. Lower your legs back down to the floor and repeat 5-10 times.

Spinal Rotation

While seated in a chair, reach one arm across your stomach and grasp the opposite side of the chair. Look over the shoulder while rotating the low- and mid-back. Hold for 15-30 seconds.

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