Top Remedies To Try For Back Pain

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A lot of people in America suffer from one of the most common aches, back pain. At some point in time, people will experience this condition making them miss work or other important activities. According to statistics, over 80% of Americans will suffer from low back pain. A staggering number of about USD 100 billion will be lost by the United States just from this condition alone. And this extremely high number is caused mainly by lost wages. Fortunately, there are remedies to this common problem. We will look over various natural remedies to relieve back pain. Although, further studies are necessary before recommending or implementing these natural remedies. However, it can be a part of a holistic treatment plan for back pain especially for mild to moderate conditions. Pointers To Remember: If you want to try out these alternative medicine for your back pain, it is best to consult with your doctor first. Negative consequences might happen if you treat yourself without the help of a professional.

Natural Remedies For Back Pain

Acupuncture A particular study published by Spine in 2008 found out that acupuncture can be a supplementary treatment method to that of traditional therapy for pain the lower portion of the back. Analysis of 23 different clinical trials involving 6,359 patients found that acupuncture is significantly more effective than not treating back pain at all. So how does this alternative treatment work? Traditional Chinese medicine states that pain is caused by blocked energy located within the body’s meridian points. These energy are unblocked when needles in acupuncture are inserted through these pathways. In addition, acupuncture may help in the release of natural opioids within the body that helps relieve pain. Plus, it sends various signals to the nervous system and promotes the release of hormones and neurochemicals. If you wish to try acupuncture to relieve chronic back pain, you should do it once to thrice a week for a few weeks initially. It might also be added as a tax-deductible categorizing it as a medical expense. Plus, there are insurance plans that actually reimburse your money for acupuncture sessions. Chiropractic Care Chiropractic doctors utilize chiropractic manipulation of the spine to rehabilitate joint mobility. They apply a controlled force manually to a person’s joints — joints that have been restricted by pain, muscle injury, inflammation, and strain. It is believed that manipulation helps to reduce pain and tightness of the muscles. It also helps promote healing. A research published in a reputable journal found out that spinal manipulation done by chiropractic doctors helps to improve function and reduce symptoms in patients experiencing chronic lower back pain, acute lower back pain, and sub-acute lower back pain. Analysis of 64 clinical trials and 887 documents concludes that exercise, in combination with chiropractic care, can result to a faster and improved outcomes. It also helps to prevent future episodes of excruciating back pain. Massage Therapy A lot of people know that massage therapy can help you relax thereby easing the pain experienced in the back. In one specific study, the researchers stated that massage is beneficial for those who experience low back pain. This is especially true if massage is combined with education and exercises. Aside from easing the pain, massage can also alleviate depression and anxiety associated with it. Capsaicin Cream Capsaicin is an ingredient found in chili peppers. When the cream is applied on the surface of the skin, it leads to the depletion of a neurochemical responsible for transmitting pain signals. Thus, it provides an analgesic effect. Capsaicin cream is also known as capsicum cream and is available online, in health-focused food stores, and drug stores. When applied to the skin, a person might feel a burning or stinging sensation. It is best to use disposable gloves when the cream is being applied to the skin. Anti-Inflammatory Herbs Inflammation is believed to play a big part in the experience of back pain. Thus, herbs with anti-inflammatory properties are good for pain relief. White willow bark have properties that provide pain relief similar to that of aspirin. Salicin is found in white willow bark and the body converts it to salicylic acid, a compound that helps with inflammation and pain. Devil’s claw is another type of herb used to relieve back pain. It contains harpagosides. These are chemical compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin D Multiple researches state that patients experiencing chronic pain don’t respond to treatment because of deficiency in vitamin D. Persons with low amounts of vitamin D in their body might take supplements in order to alleviate pain. Vitamin D is actually produced by the body naturally when exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. It is available in fish and fortified milk. However, it might be hard to obtain the required daily intake of this vitamin.That’s why experts recommend people to take supplements. Magnesium Magnesium is an important mineral in the body and is vital in hundreds of biochemical reactions. It helps to maintain nerve function, supports our immune system, and preserve the strength of our bones. It also helps in the regulation of blood sugar levels within the body and is believed to be involved in protein synthesis and energy metabolism. Vitamin B12 Deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to irritability, pain, depression, memory impairment, tingling, and numbness. Muscle injections of this vitamin is very common for the treatment of its deficiency. Research has also found out that sublingual tablets and nasal gel of vitamin B12 are effective as well. Studies have concluded that certain magnesium forms can be useful in the relief of pain and relaxation of the muscles. It can be effective for nerve pain as well. A lot of people are deficient in magnesium. A form that is highly bioavailable and can be used as supplements is magnesium glycinate. Yoga Yoga gives you the balance you need through a variety of poses that leads to developed strength and flexibility. Evidence suggests that taking regular yoga sessions helps in back pain relief. A research published in 2011 investigated 7 clinical trials which tested yoga’s effects in patients experiencing low back pain. Five of the 7 clinical trials suggest that yoga significantly reduces low back pain compared to usual care, traditional therapeutic exercises, and education. Hypnotherapy Also called hypnosis, this technique involves a person entering into a trance-like state. This state is said to draw in deep concentration and relaxation. When under hypnosis, patients are believed to be more susceptible to suggestion. Thus, hypnotherapy is used to result in behavioral changes. Preliminary research states that hypnosis might be used in treating low back pain. One study found out that a hypnosis program administered in four different sessions in combination with psychological education leads to a significant reduction in pain intensity among patients experiencing chronic lower back pain. The mood of these patients significantly improved as well. Alexander Technique This is a therapeutic form which educates to improve one’s posture and stop bad habits (e.g. slouching) which leads to decreased mobility, pain, and muscle tension. According to a research published in 2012, there is strong scientific evidence showing that this technique is effective in treating long-term back pain. It included a clinical trial showing that the Alexander Technique and its lessons resulted in a significant reduction in chronic back pain. The technique can be learned in private or group sessions which typically lasts for about 45 minutes. Meditation This mind-body technique is an ancient form of practice. It is believed to increase tolerance to pain. In addition, it helps manage chronic pain as shown in multiple small studies. A study conducted in 2008 concluded that a meditation program that lasted for 8 weeks resulted in the improvement of pain tolerance and enhanced physical function of patients suffering from chronic lower back pain. The said study involved 37 adults meditating at an average number of 4.3 days per week. Meditation sessions lasted an average of 31.6 minutes per day. Balneotherapy This is one of the oldest form of techniques for treating pain. Balneotherapy is one type hydrotherapy and it involves a person bathing in warm or mineral water. A 2006 report found out that balneotherapy might be an effective way to treat persons suffering from lower back pain. It is advised, though, that persons suffering from heart conditions should not be involved in balneotherapy unless they are supervised by a healthcare professional. Music Therapy This is a cost-effective form of therapy that might help reduce the stress associated with chronic pain. It is very effective when used with other treatment methods. Research found out that music therapy helps to reduce depression, anxiety, and disability related to chronic pain. It is believed to help a person shift his or her attention away from excruciating pain sensations. In addition, it helps release endorphins and change levels of catecholamine. Tai Chi This is an ancient form of martial arts and it involves graceful and slow movements. It also incorporates deep breathing and meditation. Research regarding tai chi and its efficiency in relieving back pain is limited. However, there is evidence that it can help relieve back pain to a certain degree. A 2011 study published concluded that a tai-chi program done for 10 weeks helped reduce pain and lead to improved functioning in persons experiencing chronic lower back pain. This study was participated in by 160 adults suffering from long-term lower back pain. Half of these participants when through 40-minute tai chi lessons within a 10-week period.

Here’s A Wrap: Utilizing Natural Remedies

If you wish to use alternative medicine to relieve back pain, it is best to consult with your physician first. Self-treatment might be harmful to you if not properly guided by a medical doctor. As such, if your physician recommends one of these alternative treatments including massage therapy, you can try to find a nearby spa or clinic. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]