PRACTICAL WAYS TO PROTECT THE DISCS

Never force the spine into a forward bend.

Be careful when giving assists.  I would say to stay away from assisting people in forward bends.

Reclining forward bends such as Supta Padangusthasana (Reclining Big Toe Pose) are the easiest on the disks

To make forward bends safer cue to focus the action on the hip joints not the lower back.

90-degree rule: Do not start bending the spine forward until the pelvis appears to be at a 90 degree angle to the legs.

Reclining back bends may be particularly good for many people.

Abdominal strengthening should be counterbalanced with a back bending routine

When dealing with existing disc injuries watch out for forward bends and all seated poses, especially twists. Do less. It’s ok if you just teach a few poses. Ask your student to maintain a lumbar lordosis (a natural back bend in lower spine) at all times, Do not round the spine at all (unless specifically advised otherwise).