Can people with lumbar disc herniation and bone spurs do sit-ups?
Disease description:
Recently diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation and bone spurs, I have excess abdominal fat and would like to do crunches. Can I perform crunches with lumbar disc herniation and bone spurs?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Curl-ups refer to partial sit-ups. Individuals with lumbar disc herniation and bone spurs generally should avoid performing partial sit-ups. Patients with lumbar disc herniation and bone spurs typically have weak lower back muscles. Performing partial sit-ups can excessively compress the intervertebral discs, increase pressure on the anterior portion of the lumbar vertebrae, and cause the lumbar spine to arch forward. Under such conditions, the pressure on the lumbar discs is significantly elevated, which may worsen lumbar disc herniation and bone spur formation.
