The numerous applications of the exercise ball follow a range of difficulty levels, and the benefits for back pain patients can be felt at each level. From merely sitting on the exercise ball to doing structured aerobic exercise routines, the basic support needed by the back and stomach muscles are the same.
For a person with low back pain, the exercise ball can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Find neutral spine position
- Learn proper posture
- Increase lumbar (low back) mobility
- Increase abdominal and back muscle strength
- Increase balance and stability
- Develop overall control and strength of the core body muscles
- Learn to lift properly
This balanced position on the exercise ball is also referred to as the center of gravity, where the upper body is balanced on a stable pelvic base. Even a slight change in this neutral posture position will change the center of gravity and require a correction to stay on the exercise ball. The stomach muscles are required to work the entire time to keep this balanced, neutral posture.