Good and Bad Exercises for Low Back Pain
Lower Back Pain: How Exercise Helps
Avoid: Toe Touches
Try: Partial Crunches
Avoid: Sit-ups
Try: Hamstring Stretches
Avoid: Leg Lifts
Try: Wall Sits
Try: Press-up Back Extensions
Try: Bird Dog
Try: Knee to Chest
Try: Pelvic Tilts
Try: Bridging
Lifting Weights May Help
Try: Aerobic Exercise
Try: Some Pilates Moves
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SOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: "Low Back Pain Exercise Guide."
American Council on Exercise: "Bird-dog," "Glute Bridge."
American Pain Foundation: "Back Truths: Debunking Common Myths About Back Pain."
Kell, R. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, March 2009.
La Touche, R. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, October 2008.
Long, A. Spine, December 1, 2004.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: "Low Back Pain Fact Sheet."
NHS: "Back Pain - Prevention."
NISMAT.org: "Low Back Program Exercises."
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports: "Questionable Exercises."