Back Pain Remedies

Try these back pain remedies for lower back pain, upper back pain and middle back pain. What are the causes of back pain? What are back pain symptoms?

Many adults suffer from lower back pain, upper back pain or middle back pain. If your back pain last from a few days to a few weeks, it's termed as an acute back pain. A chronic back pain usually last more than 3 months.

Some of the common causes of back pain are self-inflicted. Carrying or lifting something heavy, sitting for a long period on an uncomfortable chair, being overweight, sudden awkward or clumsy movements and poor posture are some of the contributing factors to back pain. Certain conditions such as a ruptured disc between the vertebrae, arthritis and osteoporosis can also cause back pain.

Back pain symptoms include feeling tight and aching muscles, reduced flexibility at the back, difficulty to stand upright and stabbing back pain that spread down the leg. Aging also can lead to back pain due to muscle atrophy.

Back pain remedies No. 1 - Cold therapy for back pain treatment

The easiest way to use the cold therapy is to apply an ice pack. What the cold pack does on your back is it decreases the nerves ability to conduct painful stimulus and cause your back to feel numb. It also helps reduce inflammation. This remedy for back pain may help if you apply it shortly after the first symptom show up.

To make a cold compress, put ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrap it around a towel. Place the compress on your back. You can also use a bag of frozen peas or corns. Another option is to soak a towel or cloth in ice cold water, wring it and leave it on your backache.

Back pain remedies No. 2 - Heat therapy for back pain relief

If you feel that the cold therapy doesn't relieve the back pain after 48 hours, try to use heat instead. Applying heat on aching muscles has several benefits. It has the ability to improve blood circulation, loosen and relax muscles and increase muscles elasticity.

There are many heating packs sold in the market. But you can simply use a hot water bottle. You can make a hot compress by placing a warm towel on your back and leave it for about 15 to 20 minutes. Allow about half an hour to an hour interval before reapplying heat. Either soak and then wring the towel in warm water or use the microwave over to heat it. A hot bath would also help.

Back pain remedies No. 3 - Herbs for back pain

Castor oil which is the extract from the castor bean may help in healing back pain. It is a natural analgesic or pain killer and has anti-inflammatory properties. Castor oil pack is available in the market but you can make your own. You will need castor oil, a piece of wool or cotton flannel and a hot water bottle.

Wet or soak the flannel with castor oil. Place it on your aching back and put the hot water bottle on top of it. The heat will assist the compounds in the castor oil to penetrate the skin. If you don't want to use the cloth, rub the oil directly and place a hot towel or the hot water bottle on top.

Here is a list of natural back pain relief herbs. Just like castor oil, these herbs are natural pain reliever and also have other healing properties. They can be taken as dietary supplements, drank as tea, use topically or inhaled to reduce back pain symptoms.

1. White willow bark extract is the best substitute for aspirin if you prefer a natural painkiller.
   
   
   
2. Besides providing relief from back pain, the sedative activity in black cohosh root has the potential to help you relax.
   
   
   
3. A study conducted at the University of Heidelberg reported that the symptoms of acute lower back pain and upper back pain on 183 patients were significantly reduced when they were given devil's claw extract.
   
   
   
4. Capsaicin which is the natural extract from cayenne peppers may help reduce pain. For back pain treatment you can use the capsicum patch, analgesic cream or spray.
   
   
   
5. Peppermint oil is a natural muscle relaxant. It helps relieve pain and provides a relaxing effect.

Back pain remedies No. 4 - Alternative pain relief therapy

1. If you have chronic back pain, massage therapy may help. A massage can improve your blood flow, reduce pressure and may heal back pain.
   
   
   
2. Acupuncture helps in balancing the blood flow on the body. Several studies have shown that acupuncture therapy have the ability to reduce chronic back pain and improve flexibility.
   
   
   
3. Chiropractic adjustment is a popular remedy for back pain. A chiropractic treatment will help balance your body structure and improve the body's function.
   
   
   
4. Emotional freedom technique or EFT tapping is a technique that may help heal back pain. EFT works on the basis that stress and emotions create physical pain.

Back pain remedies No. 5 - Practice healthy lifestyle and habits

1. Deep breathing exercise helps calm your mind, releases stress and anxieties and relaxes your muscles.
   
   
   
2. A viniyoga therapy is designed with specific postures and movements to heal low back pain and support healthy sacrum and hips. You can purchase a DVD and learn this yoga technique and follow the guide.
   
   
   
3. Certain aerobic, strengthening and stretching exercises can help improve, strengthen the back, tighten muscles, decrease back pain and speed up healing. Aerobic exercises that are highly recommended are swimming and walking. Ask your doctor or a physical therapist for suggestions on back pain exercise. Or you can watch many videos on exercises for back pain at YouTube.
   
   
   
4. Sit, stand and use your muscles properly. Use a chair that supports your back. When driving, lean your car seat instead of sitting straight. Don't carry heavy objects and when lifting something bend your knees.
   
   
   
5. Sleep flat on your back with two pillows underneath your knees. It'll help relax your back muscles.

Back pain remedies No. 6 - Get a mattress that supports your back

If your mattress is already soft and sagging, it's time to change. A medium firm mattress is a good choice. If you suffer from chronic back pain, get an opinion from a professional on the right type of mattress that will help support your back.

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