What can i do about my back straining when im doing abdominal exercises?
Whenever i do crunches my back starts hurting a lot (about after 20 crunches) way before i start have a good workout. When i do transverses ab exercises my back seems fine, also leg lifts. I used to do a lot of sit ups. My back usually is fine its just when i do abdominal exercises.

it means you’re not doing them properly. Watch this
http://www.videojug.com/webvideo/exercises-abdominals-crunch
I know he’s a bit patronising, but just make sure you’re doing it completely right. If you keep straining your back you’ll cause an injury.
stretch your back by first lay on your stomach then push up with your arms and leave your lower half on the floor. do this for 20 secs at a time its a generic abs stretch