I hear it frequently…this is an exercise?!
Sure, if it fulfills the purpose of making one more mobile, more resilient and more awesome!
This position is called prone lying and just means that you are lying face down.
For people with back pain, this has been referred to as the rescue position.
This position can be highly effective in reducing back or leg pain in 49-64% of people with symptoms.
Is it for everyone?
No..of course not. There is not a single exercise that is beneficial for 100% of the population that has pain, but there are patterns.
If your pain worsens with sitting, bending or twisting then this may be beneficial.
If your symptoms worsen withstanding or walking, this position may not work well for your symptoms.
Some things to note:
1. If you get into this position and your symptoms move further away from your spine…no good and you should stop and seek a full evaluation
2. If your symptoms move closer to your spine, you should pick up the book “Treat Your Own Back”.