Lower backache!

[Tryin2lose]

I recently joined the abs challenge on March 1st and am totally loving the challenge, but earlier this week my lower back started hurting a little. I attributed that to the muscles getting used to the new movements and continued doing crunches. Mind you I am only doing 35 a day, the first 25 regular crunches and the last ten reverse crunches. I think it is the reverse crunches that have gotten to my back. Yesterday, I was laid up most of the day with a heating pad and ibuprofin as the pain had gotten worse and constant. So I took yesterday off from the crunches.
I have never had back aches before, so I just want to know, should I cut the reverse crunches for a while and just continue to do the regular ones?
Just to be clear, the pain/ache is not constant, it comes for awhile and then almost goes completely away, with only a nagging little sensation to let you know that something is not quite right. I don't think I pulled anything, but then again, I'm not sure if I would know, since I have never had back aches/problems before.
I DO NOT want to quit my challenge and I do NOT want to be a whiner, I just want to know what you veteran excersizers would do, so I can crunch on!

Erin

[Isabeau]

Re: Lower backache!

Do you see a chiropractor or message therapist? They may be able to tell you if you injured yourself. If you are injured, let your body heal. There will always be exercise challenges to join. We're in this for life! If you think it's the reverse crunches, try cutting them out for a bit and see what happens. That's what I would do anyways.

[Tryin2lose]

Re: Lower backache!

Thanks for the replying isabeau. Pain has lessened today. I really don't feel injured, just incomfortable. And I haven't done anything weird, so I will chalk it up to the crunches and get back to them tomorrow and see what happens.
Thanks,
Erin

[Ms Blue]

Re: Lower backache!

Everything is coming "out" all right? And water intake is high? I had such a backache last week but I think things were um...a little "backed up". But it seems to have resolved itself.

[Tryin2lose]

Re: Lower backache!

Yup, everything is coming "out" fine. Lots of water and veggies to aid that.
Thanks!
Erin

[ttdriver]

Re: Lower backache!

Be sure and keep your low back on the floor as you do your crunches. In other words, DO NOT arch your back.

Hope you feel better!

Betty

[Isabeau]

Re: Lower backache!

Yeah. I find that since I've been using a stability ball for ab work, I get much better form therefore better function too.

[sincub]

Re: Lower backache!

I went to a chiropractor today for the same type of lower back ache, I think. He told me to walk about two miles a day (which I needed to start doing anyway) and showed me about six stretches to do in the mornings before I get out of bed and at night before I go to sleep. He said to take a cue from cats and always stretch when I wake up Maybe I can stretch with my two kittens in the mornings.

[Tryin2lose]

Re: Lower backache!

Thanks for all of the advice everyone! I will definitely do some stretching. I have been seeing those stability balls everywhere, I think I will have to get one and try it. Right now my back is back to normal and I am resuming the regular crunches.
Thanks!!!!!
Erin

[Isabeau]

Re: Lower backache!

I'm glad everything's okay. Trust me, injuries are nooooo fun. Listen to your body and rest when you need to!