yes there are a number of exercises you can do 1. planks: starting position: lying on the floor assume the up position in a push up. hands flat on the floor abs tight legs straight. helpful tips: -be sure to look straight ahead (in this case your looking at the floor directly beneath you). this keeps your cervical spine in a neutral position. -if this bothers your wrists perform them with your elbows bent and your forearms flat on the floor -as fatigue sets in don't tighten your neck muscles by clenching your jaw this might irritate your neck -repetitions: 3 times 30 seconds 2. side planks starting position: lying on your side with your legs straight and stacked one on top of the other your hips flat on the floor elbow bent. the elbow is directly underneath the shoulder and the forearm is flat on the floor. exercise: raise your hips and legs off the floor at this point the only thing in contact with the floor is one foot (the other is stacked on top of the one supporting you) your elbow and forearm. the free arm can either remain resting on your side or you can raise it ou to form a t-position. hold for 30 seconds then rollover and perform lying on the other side helpful tips: -just like with planks keep your cervical spine in a neutral position by looking straight ahead. 3. crunches and sit-ups -many times these exercises can still be done in folks with neck problems. however there are 3 key points to keep in mind. 1. don't clasp your hands behind your head. many times as people tire they begin pulling on there head to bring their body up---irritating the neck. 2. fold your arms across your chest or keep them straight at your sides this will stop you from pulling on your neck. 3. really concentrate on leading with your upper back and torso versus your head. the abdominal muscles are responsible for flexing your torso not the neck. by concentrating on using your abs you can keep your neck in a neutral position. 4. knee tucks on a stability ball (advanced exercise) starting position: assume the position i described in the first plank exercise except your shins are now resting on the top of the stability ball. exercise: tighten your abdominal muscles and slowly draw your knees towards your chest. pause then return back to the starting position with your legs straight helpful tips -exhale as you pull your knees towards you -keep your neck in a neutral position by looking down at the floor 5. since your dealing with an injury its important to start slow concentrate on your form and proceed cautiously before attempting new exercises. also run these exercises by the physician treating you for this condition to avoid re-injury for some additional exercises and video directions for some great exercises click on the links below flat abs for men: go-to exercises gym smarts: awesome abs the best flat ab moves for men
i have a herniated disk in my neck i would like to work my abs are there any excercises i can do that wont hurt my neck