Lumbar stabilization exercises concentrate on reducing lower back pain while increasing flexibility and strength of the hips, back, stomach and thigh muscles, according to Spine-Health. Strong and flexible muscles help properly support your spinal column, improve posture and make everyday functioning less fatiguing or more effortless. Exercises for kids provide a fun and rewarding way to improve lower back and spinal health. Consult with the doctor first, since not all exercises may be appropriate.
Utilize Water
Some kids may find exercising on land too prohibitive and uncomfortable due to pain or mobility issues such as osteoarthritis. In this case, lumbar stabilization exercises for kids can be done in water to relieve pain, stop the progression of osteoarthritis while also increasing mobility. Water contains a natural buoyancy that supports the majority of body weight, taking pressure off the body's joints. Water also supplies a natural resistance that helps strengthen muscles without lifting weights. Increase lumbar stability by combining abdominal contractions with lower body stretching. Place a flotation device around the child's waist and guide the child into shoulder-deep water. Instruct the child to conrtact abdominal muscles and lift the right knee toward the chest, according to Dr. Bruce Becker. Hold this position for five seconds. Slowly lower the leg to the original position and relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Do the exercise again with the left leg, keeping the lower back muscles flexed.
Utilize Exercise Balls
Children afflicted with spinal arthritis need to start doing lumbar stabilization exercises in order to support the spine, lower back pain and reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis, according to Dr. Charles Ray with Spine-Health. Exercising with stability balls can add variety and fun to a child's workout routine while lowering pain, increasing spinal flexibility, strengthening spine-supporting muscles, encouraging a neutral spine position and enhancing core muscle strength. Balls provide a natural instability that requires extra muscle usage in order to stay balanced on the ball, which increases muscle strength over time. Start doing a lumbar stabilization exercise for kids by asking the child to sit on the exercise ball with feet firmly on the floor. Instruct the child to tighten his stomach muscles and lift the right arm toward the ceiling while balancing on the ball. Hold the position for 10 seconds. Lower the arm to its original position, then repeat this exercise with the left arm. Do this exercise 10 times.
Involve Marching
Strengthen the core muscles and reduce lower back pain in kids by using a maneuver known as seated marching, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The child sits upright on an exercise ball with both feet firmly planted on the floor. The child then tightens stomach muscles and lifts the right leg 3 inches from the floor while still balancing on the ball. Return the foot to the floor and ask the child to lift the left foot 3 inches from the floor. Perform this marching pattern 10 times per foot.
Use Walls
Lumbar stabilization exercises for children can use walls as exercise tools, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Place an exercise ball against the wall and the child stands with the lower back against the ball and feet shoulder-width apart. Have the child hold in stomach muscles for this entire exercise. Instruct the child to slowly bend the knees to a 45-degree angle while keeping the arms to the side. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Slowly return to the original position and relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 6 times.
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