Tried of popping ibuprofen to ease your painful back? There are many natural remedies to help with pain in the back. Besides, herbs, supplements, and acupuncture, there is good old fashioned exercise.
Back pain frequently strikes when something’s wrong with the delicate column of bones, muscles, ligaments and joints that holds you up. There are also various medical conditions that cause pain in the back, including, arthritis, and kidney infections, just to name a few.
Back pain is a common health issue today that affects at least 8 out of 10 people. It is a prevalent problem and one of the most common pain conditions suffered by Americans.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) reports that about 31 million people have back pain in the US alone.
Common Causes of Back Pain:
Accidents and sports injuries are the most general causes of chronic back pain. But, sometimes, even plain actions or activities – like bending over to pick up an object from the floor – can activate pain.
There are also a number of other factors that can boost your threat of back pain, such as:
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Poor posture
• Not being fit, and regular exercise which helps to build a strong back
• Blood clots, infections and kidney stones
• Obesity and overweight
• Psychological/emotional stress
• Osteoporosis or bone loss
Natural Remedies to Heal Back Pain:
• Ice first, heat later
As a pain reliever, ice works great. It momentarily blocks pain signals and helps diminish swelling. Several times a day, lay an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the painful area for up to 20 minutes.
During the first few days of home treatment, apply the ice pack as frequently as necessary. Later you may still want to use ice after exercise or physical activities. After about 48 hours, switch to moist heat to stimulate blood flow and reduce painful spasms.
• Perfect your posture
Look to maintain a posture that places the least stress on your back. Mom was right when she said stand up straight!
• Healthy Diet
Eating healthy whole foods, eliminating junk food will help your body’s immune system, and to prevent common ailments. Using fish oil supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids will allow the body to better repair itself and fish oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent pain.
• Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water may help reduce the shrinkage that happens in the spongy disks of the back.
• Rise and shine
Each morning before you get out of bed, lie on your back and slowly stretch your arms overhead.
• Rub in some relief
Ask a partner to massage the aching area or visit a professional masseuse.
• Sip ginger tea
Another natural remedy for back pain is fresh Ginger. Dice a slice into a cup of hot water and enjoy.
• Relax with B-Vitamins
Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12; these help muscles relax and can decrease neuropathic pain.
• Eat up Omega-3s
The back loves omega-3s because the fatty acids help reduce inflammation and, as a result, back pain.
• Chiropractic Care
Find a chiropractor who not only does manual realignment of the spine but also incorporates exercise, strength training, stress management, nutrition and stretching into treatment programs for back pain.
• Aromatherapy to the rescue
For topical relief, make your own massage oil with a base oil and healing essential oils, such as peppermint, rosemary and lavender.
• Alternative Therapies
Natural therapies can be used instead of or alongside conventional medical care, these include, Biofeedback, acupuncture, massage, yoga, exercise, acupressure, and even hypnosis.
Chat with your primary care provider about your back pain to rule out severe situation that need to be treated by a professional. If you are in the clear, then be sure to practice proper lifting techniques, follow a healthful lifestyle and incorporate the natural remedies above to promote long-term pain relief.
