Are leg raises bad for lower back injuries?

Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)

Author

Posts
jeanie
Participant

April 2, 2009 at 12:14 pm

Post count: 2

#1384

Hi, I just read the great email on back bends and the three recommended exercises to do anytime to combat a sore back – leg raises (with ball under sacrum), cobra pose and child’s pose. I have a lower back injury (torn disc 12 weeks ago) and i really want to get my core muscles strong so i can heal quicker and prevent further injury. I read in another post that leg raises were a bit of a no no and were responsible for a lot of lower back injuries. Before my injury I did leg raises often (without a ball) and had no problems but i am a bit weary of trying these again, what do you think? I am new, I don’t attend any classes (yet) and have mainly been interested in the back bends as the forward bends hurt my back. Any advice would be appreciated as i want to get back to being active again.

Thanks

Jeanette 8-/

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

April 2, 2009 at 1:22 pm

Post count: 3048

#4564

Hi Jeannette

I think you will find that leg raises supported on the ball are a completely different proposition to raising legs with lower back on the floor. It is a way of strengthening your muscles without straining anything and it is a self-limiting exercise. If the ball is too highly positioned up the back you simply can’t lift the legs.

Please make sure that you find support when you are forward bending. If your back is needing help then see if you can not only hold the tummy in but maybe also find some external support. Remember you can bend your legs and you can also walk your hands down your legs.

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

PS let me know if there is more I can help you with or explain more

jeanie
Participant

April 2, 2009 at 1:52 pm

Post count: 2

#4565

Wow,that was quick! Thanks, i will give the leg raises a go with the ball I have watched the video so I know where to place the ball (definately the sacrum for me). Yes I know I have to progress with the forward bends, thanks for the advice. Also I’d just like to say that this website has been a godsend for me since my injury, thankyou!

Cheerio

Jeanette
Author

Posts