Exercising with back injury

Dave...

Just wondering if any of ye have any tips.
I recently injured my back and have been attending physio.She reckons it'll be a while before it's fully healed(using specific exercises that she gave me), but what I'm asking here is do any of you know of any good abdominal exercises that does'nt put much stress on the back.
I only used to do cardio work,the equivalent of about 10k a day on my cross trainer and sit ups,just to keep fitness up,nothing major.But since the injury I've put on a bit of weight and have noticed that I hav'nt felt as fit as before. I tried the cross trainer and a bit of light jogging but it's quite painful on the back,also the physio recommended to tone down on movement like that.Unfortunately she was'nt sure of what exercises could be beneficial to the stomach.
If any of ye could recommend anything that'd be well cool.
Cheers.

Transform

most of the work from pilates is quite gentle on the back - just google and youtube it

ronbyrne2005

Brisk walking should help tighten core. Focus on tightening your core muslces while walking. Hanging crunches will strengten abs with minimal impact on back. Just lying on your back and straigtening the curve of your lower back against floor will help strengten core, hold the position of a few seconds at a time. Swimiming would be good for general health and fat loss with little impact.

dmire

Obviously, there are lots of different types of back injurues so depending on your injury you mightnt be able to swim or do pilates, but I find they help me. My back injury is muscle related, and like you I cannot run (without being sore for a week!!) but I find that swimming helps it while also giving a good workout. Swimming lengthens the back muscles and it is also good for the core as your stomach muscles are constantly engaged.

Also started doing a pilates class recently on recommendation of my physio, which is centred around the core, I find this also helps. I wasnt going to go to my class last week because my back was sore, went anyway and it felt alot better afterwards. For more info on pilates see the following:

http://pilates.about.com/

EileenG

Lots of walking. Keep your head high and punch back with your elbows as you swing your arms to involve back muscles more.

Bird dogs are good for backs without stressing them. Hand and knees, then reach out your right arm and left leg in a straight line. Hold for 10 seconds (working up) then switch sides.

brianthebard

What I was given for my slipped disc;

Bird dogs, (as above)
Side bridges,
A short crunch, one leg straight out, hands under lower back to keep natural curve, lift chest a little and contract stomach muscles for 6-8 seconds. There's no need to hold for more than 10 seconds, just do more reps.

What's wrong with your back? that can affect what exercise you can do. Also I'm going to be a bit rude and say that if your physio can't suggest the right exercises for you then you need to find someone who can, another physio or another professional that can work with your condition.