Q.I have stenosis of a vertebra and I need to exercise, especially in the abdominal area. Are there any exercises for the abdominal area that would not put too much stress on my back? Early morning to midafternoon are the best health times for my body, when I am not stiff or in pain.

B.C.

A. Because of your vertebra problem, I really encourage you to get a clearance from your physician and a referral to some good physical therapy for a few weeks. This would allow you to have a conscientious program of rehabilitative exercise designed just for you. It’s important with stenosis to prevent any further aggravation of the area, and any exercises I would give you here may not be right for you.

Capture this motivation you’ve got going for yourself right now — and make the call. If your insurance gives you a hard time, insist that you want to protect yourself from further injury and more medical complications.

Wake them up to the fact that you are doing everything you can to stay healthy now. Good luck!

While you’re waiting for your appointment, just do mild abdominal pull-ins — that’s where you simply suck in your lower belly while you exhale, and let it relax while you inhale. Put your hands in place to feel the belly flow in and out. That alone will provide some strengthening for the abdominal muscles.