There are a variety of back exercises, and determining which are “best” for a given person or situation will largely depend on the cause and location of the soreness. Getting rid of upper back pain, for example, typically requires different exercises and approaches than does getting rid of lower back pain. Some of the best exercises for a sore back include basic stretching, maintaining good posture, and engaging in supported spinal twisting. Building abdominal muscles is also usually recommended, since the muscles of the core play a direct role in spine support. Incorporating a range of regular stretching into a daily or even weekly routine might also help prevent soreness in the first place, though much of this depends on the individual.
Identifying the Source of Soreness
One of the first things anyone should do when looking for a stretch to perform is to pinpoint where, exactly, the soreness seems to be originating. Ideally, a stretch will target the muscles that are cramped or tightened, and different movements can be best for different regions. The back is generally one of the largest surfaces on the body, and it usually involves a number of different muscle groups.
People are usually also smart to do some research into how, exactly, stretches should be done. Trainers and health experts sometimes offer demonstrations, and pictures in books and videos can also be helpful in this regard, too. When done properly, back exercises can be very helpful in alleviating back pain. When done incorrectly, however, they can actually exacerbate pain and may lead to greater problems. As a result, anyone suffering from serious back conditions should consult a health care professional about recommended exercises before beginning.
Basic Stretching
Basic stretching is one of the easiest ways to help alleviate a sore back. In fact, flexibility of the muscles surrounding the spine can help reduce the risk of injury and can help cure existing back soreness. If the back is feeling tense or sore, simply bending over and reaching for the toes can provide relief. Arching the back to either side with arms raised overhead is also helpful. It's important, however, not to overexert oneself, as that can cause new injuries. Light stretching and pulling a few times a day is usually the best course.
Focus on Posture
Maintaining proper posture can be really helpful, as well. In a way, this is a sort of stretch if a person’s relaxed posture actually exacerbates the pain. By stretching the back into a position of proper posture, people can help stretch the sore area and relieve some of the associated stiffness. Additionally, proper posture can help prevent future soreness.
Spinal Twist
Spinal twisting exercises may also prove useful. Twisting can be a gentle way to alleviate back soreness as well as providing a way to release and align the spine. This exercise may also aid in increasing flexibility, which is important to decreasing the risk of injury. Twisting too vigorously, quickly, or into extreme positions, however, can exacerbate existing back problems, or create new ones. As a result, it's important for people to engage in only subtle and gentle twisting, particularly at first.
Abdominal Exercises
Since the back is supported by the abdominal muscles, back strength and back health is usually closely related to the strength of the abdominal core. Regular abdominal strengthening exercises can therefore relieve and prevent soreness. It is especially important to perform exercises that strengthen a muscle group known as the transverse abdominals, as these are the deepest layers of muscle tissue and are most immediately responsible for spinal support.
Standard abdominal crunches and knee-to-elbow alternating crunches are both effective exercises for strengthening the oblique muscles and transverse abdominals. In turn, these help stretch and release tense back muscles. To get results, however, it's usually recommended that the exercises be performed consistently, at least every other day for 15 to 30 minutes at a time.
Incorporate Heat and Ice
If the back is very stiff and sore, it may be helpful to apply heat or ice to the region experiencing the most pain before attempting to perform any exercises. Choosing heat or ice is generally a personal preference, but some doctors may recommend particular temperatures for specific conditions. Once hot or cold temperature has been applied to the back, it may be easier to perform the exercises.
Role in Pain Prevention
Back exercises are not only important for relieving back soreness or stiffness, but they're also important in the preventing that pain from reoccurring. Building strong inner abdominal muscles will prevent additional episodes and may help to keep the condition from worsening. Maintaining proper posture, stretching and engaging in spinal twisting are also essential components to preventing sore back pain.