The stomach muscles make up part of your core muscle group, along with your pelvis and lower back. Strengthening these muscles provide support for the spine and is beneficial for everyone, particularly if you have back problems. As important as it is to strengthen your stomach -- and as nice as a flat abdomen looks -- if you have back issues, exercise with care to avoid additional problems with your back.
Step 1
Practice bracing the abs. You can do this while standing, lying down or sitting. Pull your belly button in, toward the small of your back, breathing normally, and hold to the count of 10. Relax and repeat. Work up to 10 repetitions.
Step 2
Perform partial curls. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Press your lower back into the floor and curl your chin toward your chest. Stretch your arms out in front of you and lift your head and shoulders off the floor, extending your hands toward your knees. Hold for three seconds, then lower your upper body back to the floor. Gradually work up to three sets of 10 repetitions.
Step 3
Modify traditional exercises. Once you can comfortably complete three sets of 10 partial curls, move to more advanced exercises such as crunches and planks. To protect your lower back, avoid straight leg crunches and leg lifts. Also, move through the exercises smoothly -- bouncing and using momentum to complete the move can further injure your back.
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