Q: A foam roller is a great way to get deep into painful areas on your back. Look for a foam roller that is long and wide. Lay down on the floor on your back and place the roller under any painful spots on your middle back. Then, rotate back and forth on your legs so the roller can release any tight spots, rolling them out. Move gently back and forth on the roller several times until the pain fades away.  Some rollers have a textured surface to make it easier to roll and release any tense areas. Buy foam rollers at your local exercise supply store or online. Put a warm wet cloth or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on your middle back for up to 20 minutes at a time. The heat can help to reduce swelling and help the area to heal. Use the compress before bed to make sleeping more comfortable. You can also use a heating pad instead of a hot compress. Just make sure you don't fall asleep with the heating pad on or you could burn yourself. The best sleeping position for when you have back pain is on one side with a pillow places between your legs. If you prefer to sleep on your back, slide a pillow under your knees so your back is supported. Make sure you also place a pillow under your head so your neck and spine are aligned with each other and your head is supported. Nighttime back braces can help to support your middle back while you sleep. Get a back brace that is customized to fit your body at your local medical supply store or through your doctor. Make sure the back brace is comfortable and well padded so you can sleep with it on. Wearing a back brace can also be beneficial in the long term as it helps to correct any spinal issues and reduce your risk of developing back pain again in the future. Look for ibuprofen or acetaminophen at your local drugstore. Follow the dosage instructions on the label and never take more than the recommended amount. OTC medication is a good short term option for managing your pain, especially when you are trying to sleep. Other options like stretches, exercise, massage, and acupuncture can be used to manage your pain long term.
A: Release tension in your back with a foam roller before you go to bed. Use a hot compress on your back to reduce the pain. Sleep on your side or your back with a pillow under your legs. Try sleeping with a back brace on. Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed.

Q: One of the best parts of traveling is being in places where there are lots of people to look at. Whenever you're bored in a busy place )train station, airport, bus depot, cafe, and so on) look around you at the people you're sharing the space with. Make up stories about the people you see. That woman wearing the zebra print leggings? She's an international spy on her way to a meeting with her superior. She's wearing the garish clothes to draw attention away from her face. . Listen to the conversations going on around you. Try to find the strangest conversations to listen in on and make sure that the people don't notice you spying on them. Act like you're reading a book or magazine, instead.  Write down what you hear and turn it into a short story or a poem. If you're traveling with another person, turn it into a game. See who can overhear the weirdest conversation or sentence. When you're traveling you can be anyone you want to be. Come up with a mildly plausible persona and stick to it while you're on the airplane, at the bus depot, waiting for the train, etc. See if you can get people to believe your persona. Sometimes this is the only way to keep yourself amused, whether you're a child or an adult. You can do the usual "I Spy" games, which are especially good for kids in the car. You can also make up your own games, depending on where you are. Make up a points system for annoying people. This can help if you're stranded somewhere during the holiday rush season. There are always intensely irritating people and turning their annoying habits into a game can make them more bearable. For example, you get +10 points when that guy cuts you off in line or +5 for the child who screams through the entire plane ride. See what everyone else is up to and relay your odd traveling experiences to them. You can brainstorm ideas for ways of filling your time. You'll have someone to talk to and you'll get to pass the time.
A: People-watch. Eavesdrop Make up a new persona. Make up games. Call or text a friend.

Q: There are a number of symptoms, referred to as pre-syncope, that you may experience immediately before fainting. Most fainting spells occur when you are standing, and recognizing warning signs will help you prepare yourself if you do indeed faint. In addition, awareness can also help to prevent a fainting episode and will help you stay safe if you do faint. Common symptoms include yawning, a sudden sweat, nausea (sickness), fast and deep breathing, confusion, lightheadedness, blurred vision or spots in front of your eyes, and ringing in your ears. The symptoms of fainting can come on very quickly and with little warning. If you experience the above symptoms it is a good idea to conduct 'antigravity' measures, which when done immediately upon feeling symptoms, can help you avoid a fainting episode.  Medical experts suggest that you lie or sit down and place your head between your knees. These positions will help restore blood flow to the brain and can prevent a fainting episode.   If standing, you can also cross your legs and tightening your abdominal muscles. This is effective if you are in a crowded place and you are unable to lie down immediately. By preparing, you can ensure that you are in a safe and secure place when you faint. Try telling someone near you what is happening and ask for assistance, try lying down, or try bracing yourself against a wall to prepare. If you find yourself on stairs or other precarious surroundings, sit down and hold on to a railing immediately. If you do faint, blood flow will resume to your brain naturally and you should regain consciousness in two minutes or less. It is normal to feel weak and confused for 20 to 30 minutes after fainting. Remain calm when you regain consciousness. Also, take some time to lay on your back to allow blood flow back to the brain. You should also hydrate yourself with water.
A:
Determine if a fainting spell is approaching. React quickly to the symptoms. Prepare yourself for losing consciousness. Take it slowly if you do faint.