Purpose
The pelvic tilt strengthens your lower abdominal muscles and stretches your low back (lumbar spine).
Recommended exercise for the following spinal condition(s)
Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar Spondylosis
Spondylolisthesis
Sciatica (caused by Lumbar DDD)
Sciatica (caused by Spinal Stenosis)
Sciatica (caused by Spondylolisthesis)
Instructions
- Start on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
- As you exhale, contract your abdominal muscles, pushing your belly button towards the floor and flattening your low back.
- Hold 5 seconds.
- Repeat 10 times.
Cautions
While doing the pelvic tilt, do not push out your abdominal muscles or raise your low back off the floor. You need to pull your abdominals in towards the floor (it really does help to think about pushing your belly button in towards your back).
Disclaimer
Only do the exercise shown in this video if a qualified spine specialist has recommended it. Only do the exercise within the limits that your spine specialist has advised. Do not do the exercise without your spine specialist's approval; it could lead to serious injury. Always contact your spine specialist if you have any questions regarding your back or neck condition or about the suitability of this specific exercise.
Purpose
The knee lift stretch, which is also known as marching, is used to stabilize the spine and strengthen your abdominal muscles.
Recommended exercise for the following spinal condition(s)
Lumbar Spondylosis
Spondylolisthesis
Sciatica (caused by Spondylolisthesis)
Instructions
- While on your back, bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor.
- Start with a pelvic tilt, contracting your abdominal muscles and pushing your low back (lumbar spine) to the floor.
- Raise one knee: your foot should be 3-4 inches off the floor.
- Bring your foot back to the floor, then switch to the opposite leg.
- Repeat 5 times on each side, working up to 3 sets.
Cautions
Be careful not to arch your low back while doing the knee lift stretch. If you maintain pelvic tilt—keeping your abdominal muscles pulled in—you should be able to avoid arching your back.
Disclaimer
Only do the exercise shown in this video if a qualified spine specialist has recommended it. Only do the exercise within the limits that your spine specialist has advised. Do not do the exercise without your spine specialist's approval; it could lead to serious injury. Always contact your spine specialist if you have any questions regarding your back or neck condition or about the suitability of this specific exercise.
Purpose
Curl-ups, also known as crunches, will strengthen your abdominal muscles and stabilize your core.
Recommended exercise for the following spinal condition(s)
Lumbar Spondylosis
Spondylolisthesis
Sciatica (caused by Spondylolisthesis)
Instructions
- Start on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
- Cross your arms over your chest and slowly raise your head, neck, and upper back as you exhale and squeeze your abdominal muscles.
- Inhale as you slowly lower yourself to the floor.
- Repeat 10 times and work up to 3 sets.
To increase the effectiveness of the curl-up:
- Put your hands behind your neck with your elbows wide.
- Do the curl-up as described before.
Disclaimer
Only do the exercise shown in this video if a qualified spine specialist has recommended it. Only do the exercise within the limits that your spine specialist has advised. Do not do the exercise without your spine specialist's approval; it could lead to serious injury. Always contact your spine specialist if you have any questions regarding your back or neck condition or about the suitability of this specific exercise.