Cracking your back, or as we call it manipulating your back or adjusting your back, can help relieve back pain. But make sure the cause of your back pain is diagnosed FIRST because with some back issues you should NEVER crack your back
The first way to crack your back is by using a foam roller. I like the ones that are slightly softer so it gives a little along your spine.
Next, you can get into a long sit position. This can also stretch your piriformis muscle and erector spinae muscles in your back. The twisting motion may help you get a pop in your back.
Then you can do an egg roll or a double knee to chest with a roll. This one is a little more difficult, but works well at getting your back to crack if you don’t have a foam roll.
Now you will sit in a chair and twist your body. Once you start the twist, get to the end range, and then do a quick push.
Finally, you can get a more gentle back manipulation on a swiss ball or therapy/stability ball. This is also a great stretch for your back.
Cracking your back can feel great, and it can help relieve back tension and back pain when it's done correctly. But it's very important to have a proper diagnosis because sometimes you should not crack your back at all. So always get cleared by your doctor or physical therapist before trying.
My favorite exercise for upper back pain relief is a seated row. It’s a great exercise for your upper back, shoulders, and neck area. This upper back exercise is performed in real-time, so it's easy to follow along if you want.
This 20-minute back pain relief stretching & exercise routine is done in real-time so it’s easy to follow along. Since back & hip muscles are often the same groups of muscles, it may also help relieve hip pain.
These back pain stretches and exercises are for general back pain like soreness from overworking your back or if you've pulled a muscle. Check out the back pain section of my website for more specific back pain related exercises and stretches.
Mid back pain (also called middle back pain or thoracic back pain) can make it difficult to perform everyday activities. Here are 3 of my favorite mid back stretches to help relieve pain & tightness.
With osteoporosis, it’s important to perform exercises that strengthen the body while protecting the spine. Lying down in the hook lying position is a great way to help do this. The key is to move safely—maintaining good spinal alignment and avoiding twisting movements. These gentle exercises when done at one’s own pace should help with osteoporosis pain relief.
Sore back muscles are common when starting a new workout program or when exercising a little too hard. These back stretches can help relax a sore & tight back and provide pain relief.
The lower back can be a hard area to stretch depending on what is causing the pain. My favorite exercise for this area is a pelvic tilt. It’s a great exercise as well as a stretch for the low back, hips, and pelvis.
Percussive Massage Therapy using a massage gun (aka percussion massager) for back pain relief uses fast, soft pulses over a short amount of time to get deep down into the muscle fibers.
Cracking your back, or as we call it manipulating your back or adjusting your back, can help relieve back pain. But make sure the cause of your back pain is diagnosed FIRST because with some back issues you should NEVER crack your back
