Reddit mentions of Foam Roller 6" x 36"

My girlfriend bought this foam roller a year or so ago. I only recently discovered how awesome it is and have kicked myself for not using it earlier.

They are a bit expensive... but the ones that cost a little more (like the one I linked above) are a hard, sturdier foam with less give. You really want some firmness to it for it to be effective. Some rollers are too foamy, like this. I would spend a little more for a denser foam.

Try the seated v stretch and see how that feels. Do NOT try to drop to the floor like the photo shows, but gradually ease yourself forward a little at a time each time you exhale, supporting your torso with your hands on the floor. Sometimes tight "hamstrings" are actually tight adductors, and this stretch will loosen those up.

You may want to invest in a foam roller, too. They're very helpful if you have chronically tight hamstrings. Or quads. Or IT bands...okay, they're just the greatest stretching tool ever!

Yeah I have no idea why yoga and disc injuries don't mix, but they clearly don't. Pilates seems to work because the key goal of pilates is core strength which helps you relieve pressure on your back.

I also suggest getting a foam roller. http://www.amazon.com/Foam-Roller-6-x-36/dp/B000Y4W9VA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1312500897&sr=8-2 <- something like this. The stretches done on that seemed to help a lot.