Abdominal exercises are used to strengthen the abdominal area so that the burden of body support is not left to the spine.  Doctors sometimes recommend that the sufferer exercise the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus muscled in order to prevent back and future muscle strain.

There are three types of abdominal exercises that support the spine:

Extension of the back and gluteal muscles.  This group of muscles is used to straighten the back (crouching to standing position) as well as lift, extend and abduct the hip (move the thigh away from the body.)

Flexing of the abdominal and iliopsoas muscles. This group of muscles bends and supports the spine from the front. They also control the arch of the lumbar (lower) spine and adduct the hip (move the thigh in toward the body).

Flexing of the Obliques or Rotators (side) muscles. These muscles stabilize the upright spine.  These muscles are rotated during exercise to help maintain proper posture and spinal curvature.

Exercises for abdominal pain do not have to be complex. These muscles are exercised in everyday life.  For example, the gluteal abdominal muscles are used each time we climb a step.

Inadequately exercised stomach muscles cause a tendency towards back pain. An exercise program that strengthens the abdominal muscles might be necessary as a preventative measure as research has shown that the back and stomach muscles show a natural tendency to weaken with age.

 

Arthritis is a common cause of back pain. Arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joints is worn down as a result of wear and tear, aging, injury or misuse.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is caused loss of cartilage, overgrowth of bone and the formation of bone spurs. This causes the bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing pain, swelling and loss of motion of the joint.

Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint but most often occurs in the hips, knees, hands or the spine.

In the spine, osteoarthritis can cause stiffness and pain in the neck or in the lower back. Cervical arthritis (also called cervical spondylosis) affects the upper spine and neck. Lumbar or lumbosacral arthritis affects the lower back and pelvic area.

The earlier arthritis is diagnosed, the more steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of disability in the future.