Just a quick reaction to this article. I think overall it's right to say that just strengthening your abs with reckless abandon (no pun intended) isn't the way to a healthy back. What it doesn't go into is the different positions your pelvis and spine should be in to promote healthy backs.
Many with herniated disks and other back problems should NEVER tuck their pelvis to do ab work. When many of us do sit-ups, our spine is flexed at the top (when you bring your head, neck and shoulders off the ground) as well as the bottom, meaning your back is flat against the ground and your pelvis is tucked under. This works your Rectus Abdomnis (the 6-pack muscle), which is all fine and good, but continued ab work in this position will not work for people with back issues (there are always exceptions to the rule on this, so work with your pilates instructor or physical therapist to find out what's right for you).
A Neutral positioning of the pelvis is a much better position for BOTH ab strengthening as well back strengthening. This allows the spine to stay in the right position (which will protect your back) while you are working the abs (most specifically the Transverse Abdominus).
Link to article: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/17/core-myths/?em
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