BakBalls - Back Pain Relief

About 15 years ago I suffered from terrible sciatica to the point where I could hardly walk. I found an early website by an Aussie sports physio called Steve Lockhart. He had a video in which you joined 2 tennis balls together with duct tape, placed them under your upper back whilst lying on the floor. Every 30 seconds or so, moving backwards so the balls move a couple of inches or so, hold, repeat, until right at the base of the spine. Maybe 15 minutes in total. Repeat two or three times a week. Within a couple of weeks, problem solved. Lockhart now sells this product credited to another Australian sports physio Mark Alexander. About a year ago the sciatica came back mildly so I bought these Bakballs as they seem a lot neater than the tennis ball contraption but didn't use them. But the pain has recently got far worse to the extent I had to buy a walking stick so I fished these out, found a YouTube video to remind me of the technique, and spent 15 minutes on the floor on a pilates mat easing the Bakballs down my spine. Pain gone immediately, and stayed gone. I'll repeat for a few weeks then hope it lasts like it did last time. The video was 4:14 long and made by a guy called Peter Robinson, aka The Muscle Technician, trained by Lockhart and yes, another Aussie, and he uses these same Bakballs in the video. If you find yourself watching a guy with a Northern Irish accent then you've got the wrong Peter Robinson and are viewing the former NI First Minister.These are not cheap and there is a DIY alternative. Personally though I think these are neater. I've put the Bakballs side by side with my old tennis ball contraption and they seem to be identical dimensions and hardness but the DIY version has wrinkled tape and is uncomfortable to use in comparison. I would recommend anyone suffering from sciatica to give the Bakballs a try. I have the red (softer) version. They are actually pretty firm though. So I wouldn't want to use the black harder version myself. I had a little difficulty at first moving the balls when they were higher up my back just by rolling - I put my hands behind and eased them down manually.I'm scoring 5/5 based on results - the concept works for me and I'm pain free again. I've not factored in the value for money aspect of a couple of rubber balls joined together for £20+. However, I guess you're paying for the bright idea and research that developed the idea plus a hefty indemnity insurance to cover the potential for someone to have an unexpected negative reaction. Also compare to the cost of a course of private treatment with a physio. So I'm giving the guy that thought this up a £10 bonus over the cost of a piece of top grade rubber and all the other costs and taxes; why would I resent that; he's worth a decent bottle of wine on me I reckon - thanks.

Does as promised, though would have been more useful for me if they were further spread apart so doesn't massage both sides as required. Great for massaging fairly close to the spine and really helps with tension.

I got this recommended by a physio in Australia and when I bought it I had awful sciatica. The massage effect is very good and you use it all up and down your spine. Far better than two tennis balls in a sock!P

Having had lower back problems for a number of years and tried numerous products to relieve it, found that Bakballs by far the best solution!Very easy to use, simple design (usually the best), light & portable so that you can take it anywhere. I have been so impressed with Bakballs that I have and would recommend anyone suffering similar problems to use it, or to look on YouTube etc how to use it.

Really Fabulous for massaging your spine. My back feels so much better afterwards - I'd really recommend. Only slight negative is that it leaves a slight mark on the wall. Apparently there are two versions of this item, different colours. I believe the other one is red or orange and is meant as the introductory version and you build up to the black ball. They are apparently softer. I didn't know this at the time but have got in fine with this one.

I think this product is slightly overrated. it certainly does the job that you won't find any other utility for but the price is really not worth it (I brought my rating of it down from 3stars to 1star after using it for over a year ... See comments below)

They were recommended by a physiotherapist but are quite unsuitable for me. I ended up having even more work on my back to fix what it did.

I bought this product on the recommendation of my physiotherapist - to assist with my mid-upper thoracic spinal issues. The product when used with assistance can be useful BUT it is vital that the instructions are read and understood before commencing. Do not start exercises on solid floor. build up to that! Here though is the problem. Placing the device in position on a mattress is difficult as the BakBall moves when you try to lay on them! With assistance this can be overcome. There are other ways to use BakBalls which can overcome this problem which may be as effective. Seek advice if necessary.