No matter what type of back pain you have, whether it is upper back or lower back pain, there is one thing that is pertinent, you need a solution that will bring you pain relief as soon as possible.
Managing back pain is a continuous effort if you suffer from recurring chronic back pain. If you have been using pain medications for a while without much progress, you may want to pursue natural means of alleviating your chronic pain.
With constant side effects that accompany a lot of orthodox medications, a lot of people are going back to their roots to choose alternative medicine that is effective without side effects.
In this article, we will explore natural remedies for relieving back pain.
Top 6 Natural Back Relief Remedies
1. Comfrey
Comfrey is a plant that occurs naturally, it grows in Asia, NorthAmerica, and Europe, It is popular for its slender roots, and purple flowers.
The Japanese have been using its roots, flowers, and leaves for the treatment of various ailments such as joint inflammation, muscle pain, etc. for more than 2000 years.
Comfrey has been proven to be effective in the treatment of back pain, users of the comfrey plant often apply it as an ointment to the affected area. It can relieve pain in the back when applied continuously for 5 days. Comfrey is also used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, and also muscle strain.
There are other uses of the comfrey plant, although it is not supported by sufficient evidence, they include, the treatment of wounds, chest pain, swelling, inflammation, and stomach ulcers.
The comfrey plant is not safe to be taken by mouth since it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids a poison that is not good for the body and can cause liver and lung damage.
This chemical can also be absorbed through broken skin, so it is not advisable to use the ointment on broken skin for long periods of time.
2. Devils Claws
Devils Claws is a local plant found in Southern Africa that is used in the treatment of various ailments. Its active compound is terpenoids, iridoid glycosides, and acetylated phenolic compounds.
These compounds are known as phytochemicals that act as anti-inflammatory substances and pain relievers.
Devil’s Claws are used mainly in the treatment of such ailments as menstrual cramps and heartburn.
According to this article, Devil’s claw was shown to reduce inflammation in patients that suffered from osteoarthritis when taken through the mouth for a period of 8-12 weeks.
It can be used to reduce pain in the neck and back, and also to treat osteoarthritis.
Studies conducted showed that people suffering from lower back pain that took Devil’s claws over a period of 4 weeks had a lesser need to take painkillers than before.
Devils claws can be applied as an ointment, taken as an infusion tea, and even as capsules.
3. Boswellia Serrata(Frankincense)
Boswellia Serrata is a plant that is native to India, Africa, and Arabian Peninsula. The gum resin which exudes from this tree has been used for a long period for the treatment of inflammation and for its analgesic properties.
Boswellia is well received by those who take it because of its lack of side effects as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
While most NSAIDs are effective pain relievers, they cause other side effects like gastrointestinal bleeding, blood pressure, and also anti-clotting effects. With Boswellia, these side effects are absent.
A study shows that in a group that was given both Boswellia and a placebo, there was a noticeable difference in the increase of pain threshold for those who took Boswellia against those who took the placebo.
Boswellia is one of the natural remedies used in the treatment of osteoarthritic pain, it works by regulating the mediators of inflammation in the body. It also contains certain acids that inhibit the synthesis of the chemicals that cause inflammation in the body.
Boswellia can be used in various ways, some take it as capsules, while some people use it in aromatherapy because it can be burned as incense.
Taking up to 100mg- 250mg daily by mouth for 6 months can help to reduce stiffness in joints and relieve chronic low back pain.
There are those who use it for other illnesses such as asthma and stroke, it is yet to be proven that it is effective against such.
4. Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation
Chiropractors use manual therapy that involves spinal manipulation to relieve muscle tension, reduce muscle aches and also relieve chronic low back pain.
The manipulation is targeted at freeing stiff joints in the body and encouraging a natural healing process for the patient.
Chiropractors increase the range of motion of the lower back by using two methods-
Chiropractic adjustment: This is a high-velocity arm thrust that is targeted at an abnormal vertebra to restore functionality.
Mobilization: This is a low-velocity force applied to the muscles and joints to help to loosen them and make them more flexible.
While the role of chiropractors is yet to be defined medically (That is when a patient should see a chiropractor), it is generally agreed that most people that visit chiropractors have reported that it helped in relieving pain, and they needed less pain medication after seeing a chiropractor.
5. Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has been proven to help relieve chronic back pain, this is because massage has the ability to loosen tight muscles which of course removes pain. While it may be a temporary relief, it relaxes the person that is experiencing the pain
A lot of people often combine massage with heat application to the affected areas. This proves quite effective as heat also has a major influence on muscle relaxation.
6. Stress Reduction Techniques
Practicing stress reduction techniques is part of the natural back pain relief that you can deploy to reduce chronic back pain.
The back carries a lot of body weight and also gives stability to the body, therefore practicing stress reduction techniques can help relieve the stress which often brings back pain.
Examples of stress reduction techniques include meditation, mindfulness, breathing exercise, Yoga, restorative sleep, and stretching exercises.
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