I used one before I had back surgery and it did help as long as I did not use to often or to long at any one session.

After having back surgery I CANNOT use it without having even more severe pain.

I would suggest you find a doctor you can trust (if there is such a thing) and ask them.

The best way to know is use one for a short time and see.

You can go to any play-it-again sports and just hop on it for a second or two a couple times a week like you are trying it out before you buy (which in reality that is the case) and see how you feel. If you start feeing better after 6 to 8 times of use then I say go for it.

On the other hand if after just a couple times or even once you have worse pain then I say stop at that point and move on.

Rake