Close to 80% of adults are known to suffer back pain at certain points in their lives, whether chronic or acute. Acute back pain is usually caused by movement or abusive use of one’s back, which can lead to muscle injury, or injuries in the bones, tendons, or ligaments. Chronic back pain, on the other hand, is pain in the back that comes from normal movement or for no obvious reason. This can also affect ligaments, tendons, and bones.
Sometimes, conditions in certain organs may cause back pain. For example, prostate problems and infections in the kidneys commonly have pain in the back as one of their symptoms. Female pelvic disorders and constipation may also have uncomfortable effects on the lower back. A pregnant woman also commonly has back pain due to the physiological changes her body is going through: a growing child in the womb changes the position of one’s internal organs, resulting in much pressure being placed on the lower spine. Increasing weight coming from the growing baby coupled with relaxing muscles because of the hormone progesterone, compounded with a change in the woman’s center of gravity seem to worsen the problem.
First off, be sure to practice proper posture. Many incidences of back pain come from postural problems. For example, when you lift a heavy object, be sure to bend your knees before picking up the item. This keeps you lower back from tensing up, which consequently damages the back muscles and the spine. Along with this, never twist when you are lifting something, as this has tremendous damaging effect on your spine.
Since there are cases when painkillers are not advised for back pain, particularly in the case of pregnant women, home remedies are typically viewed as safer and more practical. Herbal oils may be applied on the area where the pain is. Ask somebody to massage the area using his knuckles and with slowly increasing pressure. Generally, herbal oils alleviate the discomfort by getting rid of tension and helping the muscles in the given area relax considerably.
Common home remedies that are known for relieving back pain include:
1. St. John’s wort – This oil is known for reducing pain in the back. Apply it directly on the painful area. Just make sure you do not apply it prior to being under direct sunlight, as the oil is known for causing your skin to be very sensitive to the sun.
2. Barberry or berberis vulgaris – This is commonly used for lower back pain, especially those related to kidney problems. This is also used in rheumatic disorders and gout.
3. Black cohosh – This herb has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relax muscle spasms in the neck and lower back. This is suitable for treating muscle pain related to arthritis and fibromyalgia.
4. Black haw – This contains ingredients similar to aspirin, and is known for relieving spasms in the neck and back, tension headaches, and leg cramps. It functions as a tonic and a sedative for the nervous system, also helping backache related to menstruation cycles.
5. Boswellia – This has strong anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce pain and stiffness. It works effectively for acute back ache, but typically takes 2-4 weeks to show optimum effects. It is also known for improving the circulation around joints, tendons, and ligaments that may have become inflamed.
6. Bromelain – This is an enzyme found in the stem of the pineapple plant, and is known for resolving late inflammation stages. It also speeds up healing and reduces the possibility of developing scar tissue.
7. Corydalis – This Chinese herb is known for relieving all kinds of pain, especially aches that come from injury. It works as an analgesic and a sedative, relieving spasms and also abdominal pain.
8. Devil’s claw – This herb has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties and gives fast results. Low backache is typically helped by this herb, as are arthritis and rheumatic conditions and headaches.
9. Dong Quai – This herb is known for giving analgesic relief 1.5 times faster than aspirin. It is used for relieving backache as well as inflammation and muscle spasms.
10. Horse chestnut – This is typically used for weak backs that stiffen and hurt with arthritis, heaviness, and swelling.
