What are the best abdominal exercises for cervical spine problems? Whenever I try to do "crunches" and other exercises in the supine position, I have problems with the cervical spine and then I cannot exercise for a while?.
Unfortunately, most abdominal exercises involve lifting the torso, supported by the back of the head, with the arms. In the case of problems with the cervical spine, as you know, this option does not work because it causes tension in the muscles around the neck and nape and puts pressure on the cervical vertebrae. So they suggest you to perform all exercises that involve "reverse" abdominal muscle contraction, that is, lifting the hips with bent and straight legs, hip twisting, alternately lowering a bent or straight leg, scissors or bicycles in both directions. If possible, you can also do abdominal exercises using machines in the gym. They have head support and the armrests are located in front of the body, at shoulder height. Thanks to this, there is no tension in the neck area by lifting the arms above shoulder level and by carrying them behind the head. A household crunch-up device works on a similar principle, which with the help of a specially constructed frame with a support for the head and handles for arms reduces the tension that prevents you from performing "traditional" crunches.
Remember that our expert's answer is informative and will not replace a visit to the doctor.
Joanna BarcikowskaGraduate of the University of Physical Education in Gdańsk, instructor of physical recreation, pilates and pilates reformer, trainer of the Warsaw Sports Academy and Thera-Band Academy, co-author of ReebokBalancePilates and Reebok Spine programs. Author of many articles on fitness, participant of television programs and promoter of pro-he alth forms of fitness.
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