I’m having a debate with a person on another message board who insists that lower back pain is caused by fat on the belly and not weak abdominal muscles. I’m taking the position that weak ab muscles can contribute to lower back pain even in lean individuals.
Which of us is right? Can I get a cite, so as to provide a definitive answer? I tried looking on google, but all I got were pages of ab exercises warning you to avoid them if you had lower back pain.
Strengthening abs is absolultey a way of reducing/preventing back problems.
A gut can contribute to back problems.
This is considered common knowledge in the exercise and physiology world.
www.bodybuildersnetwork.com/abs
www.jhbmc.jhu.edu/OPA/baynews/summer2000/back.html
NOTE: A flat and strong stomache can help prevent back problems, BUT if you already have back problems, certain exercises like sit-ups can hurt or aggravate a condition. Once you have back pain, you must consult with a physician on what exercises will help, rather than hurt!!!
Healthy belly = reduced chance of back problems…but once you have back problems, working towards a healthy gut must be supervised with specific REHAB exercises targetting BACK AND STOMACHE.
Lower back pain can be caused by a variety of factors. One common problem is a herniated disk that rests on the sciatic nerve. You don’t have to have a fat stomache to cause a herniated disk, and many folks have been walking around with herniated disks that just don’t hit the nerve by pure chance.
Poor posture, poor lifting habits, genetics, an accident, a jolt…etc, all could cause lower back pain.
Reducing the belly and strengthening the abs will help prevent back pain.
You are tying to draw a tough distinction: fat gut worse then weak abs?
The fat gut is probably worse because it is going to cause poor posture, lifting and bending habits.
Being lean tends to be more benefial in and of itself, without consideration towards specific strengthening of the abs.
So, lean is better than fat, and will do more for preventing lower back pain. Taking it one step higher would be lean AND strong abs.
However, being lean is the biggest factor, with strong abs (which is relative) being the next step.
If you have to pick one thing, it would be to get lean to prevent back pain.
yep- just like a weak (or tight) chest will contribute to upper back (shoulders and neck) pain.
My advice? DO YOGA!
Thanks for the responses so far.