I started having some lower back problems a couple of weeks ago and want to know of any exercises for the lower back and lower abs, it seems when the back is bothering me, tightening the lower abs eases the pain, so if I could build those up I think it would help.
Matthew,
You are right that the abs are a significant player in the pain. All these systems are linked, but weak core muscles are often one of the major causes of lower back pain. Here is what you can do:
- Whenever you sit on a chair, be sure to rotate and sit on the front of your pelvis instead of the back of the pelvis. It is virtually impossible to sit up straight when sitting on the back of the pelvis.
- Do some stretches, holding them for 15s, where you grab a door frame with your arm and move your body and feet around 180 or 270 degrees.
- Basic Cobra Pose (based on Cobra Yoga Pose): Lay face down on a mat. Arms by your sides palms down. Keep your face down with your chin near your chest and lift your upper body up with your back muscles.
- Basic Fish Pose (based on Fish Yoga Pose): Lay flat on your back on a mat. Arch your back and push up with your elbows keeping your chin near your chest so your head does not tilt.
There are other things you can do and I know a great resource for further investigation. I will post a link below so you can dig deeper.
Good luck ditching this back pain,
John