Question
Dear Dr. Gillman,

I have had discussions with various people concerning herniated discs. I come from a yogi background, and believe backward bends are extremely healing for herniated discs, whereas my massage therapist said forward bends are healing. What is your experience?

Answer
Kyoko,

Lumbar discs sustain increased loading when the trunk is flexed to about 30 degrees.   The research of Stuart McGill, PhD supports this.  MRI studies also confirm that trunk positions alter the anatomy of a disc, and this is best noted by the advent of sitting MRI for looking at disc herniations as opposed to traditional MRI where the patient lays supine in the scanner.   Extending backwards forces the disc to migrate forwards, and this is why someone with a disc problem will be worse off after stooping in the garden for a while, and will be better off extending backwards e.g. on a gym ball or with a yoga posture.  The massage therapist is incorrect according to clinical literature as well as my experiences seeing lots of disc herniation cases.  

'Regards,

Dr. G'