Mid-back pain can cause a lot of discomfort and can disrupt your daily routine. The pain can be caused by a variety of reasons such as strain from poor posture, injury, or muscle tension.
Luckily, there are some quick and easy solutions to relieve the pain. Here are some methods you can try at home:.
Stretching and Exercise
Stretching and exercise are effective ways to relieve mid-back pain. It helps with muscle tension and strengthens the muscles to prevent further pain. Here are some exercises you can try:.
1. Cat-Cow Stretch
This yoga pose is an effective warm-up exercise. Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.
Inhale and arch your back, dropping your stomach towards the floor, lifting your head and tailbone towards the ceiling. Exhale and round your spine, pulling your belly button towards your spine, dropping your head and tailbone towards the floor.
2. Shoulder Blade Squeeze
This exercise can be done in a seated or standing position. Start with your arms at your sides, then bring your shoulder blades together and hold for 5 seconds. Release and repeat.
3. Thoracic Extension
Lie down on an exercise ball with your feet on the ground. Place your hands behind your head, bring your elbows together, and slowly lift your upper body off the ball. Hold for 3–5 seconds and release.
Heat Therapy
Heat therapy is another great way to relieve mid-back pain. The heat helps to relax the muscles and increase blood flow. Here are three ways you can use heat therapy at home:.
1. Heating Pad
Apply a heating pad to your mid-back area for 15–20 minutes. Make sure the temperature is not too high to avoid burning your skin.
2. Hot Shower or Bath
Take a hot shower or bath to help relax your muscles. Alternatively, you can use a hot towel or compress.
3. Hot Water Bottle
Fill a hot water bottle with warm water and apply it to the affected area. Make sure the temperature is not too high to avoid causing burns.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can help relieve mid-back pain by reducing muscle tension and improving blood circulation. Here are some ways you can do a self-massage at home:.
1. Tennis Ball Massage
Lie down with a tennis ball under your mid-back and roll it around. Focus on any areas that feel especially tight or sore.
2. Foam Roller Massage
Use a foam roller to target the muscles in your mid-back. Lie on your back with the foam roller under your mid-back and roll it up and down.
3. Self-Massage with your Hands
Use your hands to press and massage the muscles in your mid-back. Focus on the areas that feel tight or sore and hold the pressure for 10–30 seconds.
Over-the-Counter Medication
If the pain is persistent, you can take over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. However, be careful not to exceed the recommended dosage.
Conclusion
Mid-back pain can be a real pain in the back, but there are remedies you can try at home. Stretching and exercise, heat therapy, massage therapy, and over-the-counter medication are all quick and easy ways to relieve the pain.
If the pain still persists, it is advisable to see a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.