The stability ball as a chair for the back pain patient

I sit on a body ball at my desk everyday, and I have done so for years now. I am a healthy, fit and experienced body ball practitioner, with a strong core. Is sitting on the ball a good idea for people suffering from back pain? There is still a good deal of controversy among therapists, ergonomics experts and others about sitting on the ball at the office or at home. The controversy is due, in part, to lack of knowledge and experience with this application. I came across this interesting paper in the "Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association" dealing with this very subject. Are we helping our hurting our clients by promoting use of the body ball as their office chair?

The Stability Ball (body ball) has been used as an exercise tool for about 50 years, with great success. I use the body ball all the time with my clients, as do many trainers and therapists, in fitness programs and for injury rehabilitation and prevention. Recent research supports the theory of spinal stabilization and the role it plays in back pain. Panjabi, Diane Lee and others suggest that spinal stability is based on three subsystems: active (muscles), passive (structure) and control (neural).

Spinal stability can be greatly enhanced using the stability ball: they are safe and activate proprioception, balance, core and equilibrium control. However incorrect use, bad technique, overuse can lead to muscle fatigue, falling off the ball and potential injury for the stability ball user.

Two chiropractors, Larry Merritt and Celynne Merritt of Prince George, decided to study two of their clients, male and female, in their 50's, suffering from back pain - using the body ball in their treatment. In my next blogs I will present their story.

Let's connect at info@gaiaadventures.com.

Catherine D'Aoust at GAIA Adventures, Kinesiologist, Workshops
www.gaiaadventures.com

Stability Ball Workshop (basic 2 day) Calgary March 23, 24, Advanced Body Ball Workshop Calgary March 25, MTAA approved.
Stability Ball Workshop (basic 2 day) June 15, 16, Vancouver, July 13, 14 in Whistler, Foam Rolling Workshop (1 day) Whistler, July 15, CECs, BCRPA, MTABC