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Jon Gilson
4 Comments
Reader Comments (4)
Can one safely foam roll their lower back?
Scott,
As long as you're on soft tissue, i.e. the erectors, and not your spine, you'll be fine. That said, the adductors, glutes, psoas, and hamstrings can all play a role in contributing to lower back pain. I would spend some time working my glute med and glute max as a first attempt at relieving the back.
Best,
Jon
Interesting. Why shouldn't we be rolling directly on the spine? I have been foam rolling for recovery for about 6 months now, hitting ITB and the erector spinae, but I also deliberately spend time rolling over my upper back, as a dynamic stretch as much as for soft tissue release, to assist with correction for my hyper-kyphotic curve - not a good thing in an otherwise healthy 25 year old - as prescribed by my chiro. Am interested in your opinion on this. Thanks for the great tip using roller for VMO too.
Will,
When I say you shouldn't be rolling the spine, I mean the spine proper. The muscles surrounding it are fair game. If your upper back musculature is such that the contact is roller-to-muscle, go for it.
That said, I have absolutely no authority or opinion regarding a "hyper-kyphotic" curve or its remedy. I defer to your medical professional.
Best,
Jon