If sit-ups are a part of your regular workout routine, you may want to reconsider. The Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps are already doing so after a study found that 56% of fitness-related injuries came from sit-ups. The article goes on to say that while the armed forces are reviewing their fitness standards, the Canadian Armed Forces have already done away with sit-ups.
So why are sit-ups so bad? Studies show that the lumbar spine undergoes a lot of pressure against the ground when a person completes a sit-up. While this is normally not a harmful action, repeated pressure can injure the spine. In a worst case scenario, the spine can push into a nerve, which could cause a chronic neuropathic condition.
The Pain Center of Arizona has been seeing a record number of patients who have severe back pain. In fact, back pain in the United States is on the rise, affecting millions of Americans annually and especially in the lumbar spine.
Instead of doing a traditional sit-up, our physicians have a few suggestions for abdominal exercises that shouldn’t injure the back. In general, it’s recommended to practice planks and side planks. In this exercise, patients hold a push-up position, but instead of their hands, they are on their elbows and forearms. This strengthens the abdominal muscles because it activates the core to keep the spine completely flat.
While planks are a great way to prevent spine injury, sit-ups and other workout related injuries could have already taken a toll on the back. If you or a loved one are experiencing low back pain, consider coming to The Pain Center of Arizona for treatment. We can help manage pain that is due to conditions of the spine including a herniated disc, injuries to the facet joints, and conditions relating to nerve damage due to an injury. Our physicians highly encourage people to seek treatment as soon as they notice that their back pain is just not going away on its own. Treating acute back pain is much easier than treating a chronic condition, so patients should see a physician as soon as possible. We may even be able to help you form a workout routine that’s safe to do while seeking back pain treatment!
If you suffer from chronic pain due to any condition or injury, find hope at The Pain Center of Arizona! Our dedicated team of board certified pain management physicians will work with you to treat your pain, increase your functionality and quality of life, and get you back into life! We have locations across Arizona, including the Phoenix metropolitan, Northern and Southern areas! We take multiple insurance plans; click here to see if we take yours! To make an appointment and take the first step toward getting back into life, call us today at 1-888-PAINCENTER. We hope to see you soon!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
