Can I do sit-ups if I have a herniated disc?

Many people like to do sit-ups to exercise themselves, especially some men, because sit-ups are very effective for physical exercise. However, in real life, many people suffer from lumbar disc herniation. If they do sit-ups at this time, many people are very worried. So, can people with lumbar disc herniation do sit-ups?

Lumbar disc herniation is divided into three degrees. Mild bulging, moderate protrusion, severe prolapse. The latter two cannot be done, but the former can be done slightly. However, it is better not to do it well. Because when doing sit-ups, the lumbar spine is subjected to uneven force due to the action of the erector spinae muscles, which can easily cause the intervertebral disc to continue to be pressed backwards, aggravating the condition.

The location of lumbar disc herniation is different, and the exercises that patients can do are also different. Here are some exercises suitable for patients with lumbar disc herniation. You can try to do them, so as not to feel too tired or overworked, and pay more attention to rest.

Three movements to protect the waist: swallow flying, crane looking back, sparrow spreading its tail

The first move: Flying Swallow. Lie flat on the bed or floor, relax your whole body, adjust your breathing, stretch your arms, lift your head and chest as high as possible, and increase the force gently until you can't lift it anymore. Then lift your legs as high as possible.

This posture resembles a flying swallow, so it is named "Flying Swallow".

Second move: Crane looking back. Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart. Twist your head, neck and waist to the left first. Gradually move your eyes downward until you can see your left heel. Maintain this position for about 15 seconds. This position is like a crane turning its head gracefully.

Gu Qu asked the crane to look back. Follow this method and turn your head to the right. Make sure your waist moves fully during the movement. Do this about ten times each time.

The third move: The bird spreads its tail. Open your feet, put your hands together, stretch your arms upward and gradually open them, similar to the movement of a peacock spreading its tail. Gradually move your arms backward, make fists with both hands against your waist, and lean your upper body back as far as possible, maintaining this position for about 15 seconds.

Do about ten times each exercise.

From the above introduction, we can see that if you have lumbar disc herniation, it is best not to do sit-ups, because sit-ups require the waist to exert force, and doing sit-ups with lumbar disc herniation will only aggravate the condition. So in this case it is better to adopt other exercise methods. If the lumbar disc herniation is more serious, timely treatment is the best option.