Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 1/31/2009

Question
Hi, I am a 19 year old guy who is 6'1 and 170 pounds. Since middle school my mid and lower back has experienced extreme pain every time I try to exercise my abs. The pain (it's not an exercise pain, more like a burning pain), starts at two crunches and by eight it becomes unbearable. I have talked to personal trainers who say my form is o.k. (I make sure my abs are flexed and my back is pressed to the ground). Do you have any idea what might be causing this pain? Any help or suggestions for alternative ab exercises would be enormously appreciated.

Jason

Extra Info: I can do side-bends without pain and I crack my back a lot by twisting it.

Answer
Having pain doing crunches would definitely not be normal.  Have you tried doing crunches while seated on an exercise ball?  I would try that, and I would also try stretching over the exercise ball first.  It may be tightness in some of the ligaments of the back.  If it continues, I would suggest seeing your family physician to rule out any problems.  X-rays would be a must.