Abs exercises with a lumbar hernia

[Mattblack]

Please can someone advise how I can exercise my abs without further rupturing my herniated lumbar disc?

I've had trouble all year, lots of physio and an operation recently (laser disc decompression). I need to keep working out though, but it's a constant challenge to do the exercises that wont cause more harm.

The 2 things I really can't do are sit-ups and squats. Squats I know are out of the question, but there must be some way of doing my abs.

Hope you can help again.

Cheers
Matt

 

[Mattblack]

Anybody?

 

[kx250rider]

That's a question that can't really be answered by amateurs over the internet, but I do have a chronic back problem (sciatica), which I have to be very careful not to set off. When I'm in an attack, I can usually still do vertical knee raises, and bent-knee crunches. But that's me, and with my type of back problem. Although I'd say to check with a physical therapist or doctor to be safe, the rule I'd use otherwise is to do what doesn't seem to cause instant pain.

Charles

 

[Mattblack]

After some experimentation on Monday, I've found I can do knee raises from my pull-up bar ok. I can also the reverse sit-up thing where you lie on the bench on lift your legs up into the air. Worked really well.

I also used the resistance bands tied to the door and twisted my waist to get the side muscles.

Thanks again

 

[firewally1966]

I have herniation to l-4 and l-5..I use the weight machine that you sit on,cross your arms on the bar in front of you and bend forward..dont know the name of it..I usually start at 70lbs and work my way up to 100lbs ..I can do sit ups ..but when I go back I dont go all the way down to the bench...I stay about six inchs up off the bench and it doesnt seem to bother me as bad..but if I feel flared up..I cant do sit ups at all