The ergo ball is an exercise treatment option for those suffering from back pain. It is designed to help prevent or minimize further episodes of low back pain as part of a rehabilitation program. The ergo ball is effective in rehabilitation because it strengthens and develops the core body muscles that help to stabilize the spine.
The ergo ball also called a Swiss ball or physio ball is a great way to exercise because it introduces an element of instability. This forces the body to respond and stay balanced on the ball, which strengthens the muscles used to keep in balance over time. In essence, individuals build strength in important back muscles and abdominal muscles without even realizing it!
The ergo ball also uses proprioception, which is the awareness of where one’s limbs are in space. The instability of the ergo ball provides the body with constant opportunities to evaluate its orientation in space, developing and training the body’s natural awareness. Enhanced proprioception provides the body with increased balance and stability.
The type of spinal movement induced by using an exercise ball is theorized to help reduce pain by stimulating the body to produce increased amounts of natural pain inhibitors. This is because the small range and adjustment of balance required to use the ball help to keep the spine in alignment and encourage proper movement.
The benefits of exercising on an ergo ball for people with low back pain include:
- A simple and versatile way to start moving again after a back pain episode is to use an ice pack. Ice packs help reduce inflammation and pain.
- It will improve muscle strength
- Increasing the flexibility and range of motion of the spine
- The ergo ball helps to improve posture and reduce stress on the lower back by enhancing the balance and coordination of the core muscle groups used to stabilize the spine.
- Ergo ball exercises are designed to bring movement to the spine in a controlled manner to help keep the discs between the vertebrae healthy. Moving the vertebrae helps increase blood flow around the discs and causes the water to flow in and out of the discs, which helps keep them nourished.
Conclusion:
Exercise is a great way to relieve back pain, but it’s important to see a spine specialist before starting any new workout routine. Depending on your specific diagnosis and level of pain, the exercises with the ball will be different. Certified specialists in ergo ball technique can help you develop the right program and make sure you’re doing the exercises correctly.
