Mid Back exercise ball stretch

by Judith Smith
(Texas)

I'm 28 years old and have a very stressful computer programming job. I spend up to 10 hours sitting in front of my monitor, sometimes eating all my meals there. Needless to say I began complaining of back pain. This was a constant burning and aching in the mid back region that got to the point where it would keep me up all night. I know I shouldn't have ignored it but in my world work always takes priority over my health. Finally I had to book off and I found a physical therapist.

Well, he was a god send. He showed me this exercise that saved my career! I sit on the exercise ball and lie back so that the ball is under my midback. I reach overhead and stretch. I'll hold this stretch for about 10 seconds and do about ten of them throughout the day. I feel like it gives my back muscles a chance to relax.

Also, I will sometimes use the ball instead of my desk chair for part of the day just to change it up. I feel by doing this I'm working different muscles and getting stronger.

I just love this stretch!
Thanks for giving me a forum, and keep up the great website.