The importance of abdominal exercise and back exercise
Introduction to back exercise
Abdominal exercise and back exercise can be added to your
daily routine to maintain strong muscles and reduce the
likelihood of back pain. A high percentage of back pain
complaints are due to soft tissue injury or back muscle
strain. Strengthening the abdominal muscles and back muscles
by ab exercise (stomach exercise) and lower back exercise
may help prevent back pain.
The bones of the spine provide the supporting frame
for the back. Connected to this frame is an intricate
system of muscles and ligaments that increase the strength
and stability of the spine, arms and legs.
The abdominal muscles and back muscles are key components
of this muscular network providing the strength to keep
the body upright and for movement. When these muscles
are in poor condition, additional stress is applied
to the spine as it supports the body and back injury
or back pain is more likely.
Types of muscles
The muscles that support the spine are grouped in
three categories:
-
Extensors—back and gluteal muscles;
used to straighten the back (stand), lift and extend
and abduct the hip (move the thigh away from the body).
-
Flexors—abdominal and iliopsoas muscles;
used to bend and support the spine from the front,
they also control the arch of the lumbar (lower) spine
and flex and adduct the hip (move the thigh in toward
the body).
-
Obliques or Rotators—paraspinal (side)
muscles; used to stabilize the spine when upright,
they rotate the spine and help maintain proper posture
and spinal curvature.
Some of these muscles are exercised in everyday life.
The gluteals, for example, are used each time we walk
or climb a step. The back muscles and abdominals do
not get adequate exercise from the typical person’s
daily activities. In addition, the back muscles show
a natural tendency to weaken with age unless they are
specifically exercised.
Benefits of strong abs and back muscles
Weak and/or overly tight supporting muscles can
have painful spasms and suffer injuries themselves.
They can also lead to problems with bone structure of
the spine due to poor posture from the weak muscles.
Strong stomach muscles and back muscles attained through
abdominal exercise and back exercise:
-
Reduce the likelihood of back pain episodes
-
Provide protection against injury by responding
efficiently to stresses
-
Help to avoid back surgery in some cases
-
Facilitate healing after a back injury or spine
surgery
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