I am 57 years old. I have had a lower back issue for quite some time -more than a dozen years.
I practice yoga regularly -in spite of this , unless I am very aware about back movements, sometimes it goes phut.
An MRI about 4 years ago showed a slight disc bulge L5 S1. No medication , no surgery has been done.
Of late,I have discovered the mini exercise ball - 6 ". I get a lot of relief by lying down on the ball (left side of the lower back -just above the left hip) and letting the ball do a gentle massage.
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Posts: 701
Re: L 5 S1 disc bulge
Hi -- welcome to the boards.
I don't think there is any problem with using a ball for self-massage, as long as you aren't rolling it around on your spine, which it doesn't sound like you are. I use a couple of tennis balls between my back and the wall. Physical therapists recommend tennis balls and working up to golf balls. I find that I have more control when standing than lying down on the balls, but obviously get less pressure going. Be careful with the yoga -- as an experienced practitioner, you are probably very conscious of your body, but certain yoga positions can be taxing on the lower back and cervical spine.
Incidentally I do use the ball for a gentle roll on the which I find releases the spinal pressure after a long day. I am very aware about the body when I do these exercises and stop at the slighest discomfort.
Is there any problem with rolling the ball on the spine as I have mentioned above ? I use a 6 " ball -the air has been adjusted so that it is quite soft and blends in with the curvature of the spine.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SweetPeainSF
Hi -- welcome to the boards.
I don't think there is any problem with using a ball for self-massage, as long as you aren't rolling it around on your spine, which it doesn't sound like you are. I use a couple of tennis balls between my back and the wall. Physical therapists recommend tennis balls and working up to golf balls. I find that I have more control when standing than lying down on the balls, but obviously get less pressure going. Be careful with the yoga -- as an experienced practitioner, you are probably very conscious of your body, but certain yoga positions can be taxing on the lower back and cervical spine.
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Posts: 701
Re: L 5 S1 disc bulge
I would ask the doctor who ordered the MRI about any type of direct pressure on the spine. I use a foam roller across the whole back, which exerts a more diffuse pressure, so probably not a problem to use a larger ball, but can't hurt to ask the doctor.
