Most people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is the second most common pain, only surpassed by headaches. There are several natural methods to treat or relieve back pain.
The first step in the case of frequent back pain is a medical examination, because back pain can have many causes, some of them serious. Most of the time it is harmless muscle tension, but it can also be caused by a slipped disc, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, osteoporosis or a tumour. For the right treatment, it is therefore important to clarify the cause. Many of the following methods are recommended in addition to medical treatment, they should not replace a visit to the doctor.
1. acupuncture
Acupuncture promotes the release of pain-relieving opioids, sends stimuli to the sympathetic nervous system and releases neurochemical substances and hormones. According to traditional Chinese medicine, pain results from blocked energy pathways in the body, which are unblocked when needles are inserted into the body along these invisible energy pathways during acupuncture treatment.
2. massage
In the case of muscle tension in the back, a back massage can be pain-relieving in addition to physiotherapy. In addition to relieving pain, massage therapy has a general relaxing and anxiety-relieving effect, because chronic back pain is usually associated with anxiety and depression. Massage therapy is an effective treatment method for pregnancy-related back pain.
3. chiropractic
The chiropractor can straighten the spine to restore the mobility of the vertebrae. If joints or vertebrae become restricted in movement due to muscle injury, inflammation or tension, the chiropractor can use controlled pressure to loosen the muscles of the affected area to promote healing.
4. capsaicin cream
Capsaicin is a component of peppers. When capsaicin is applied to the skin, it has a painkilling effect. Conventional back pain has been shown to be relieved by capsaicin cream (also known as capsicum cream) without any side effects worth mentioning.
5. vitamin D
Chronic muscle pain can be a symptom of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D treatment can achieve significant improvements. Vitamin D is produced by the body itself through sunlight and is added to many foods such as milk and margarine.
6. vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve numbness, depression, irritability and memory problems in addition to back problems. For patients suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency, vitamin B12 injections help. Sublingual vitamin tablets (tablets that dissolve under the tongue) have also shown significant improvements. Risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency are pernicious anaemia, certain medications, for example acid blockers, low intake of meat or dairy products, intestinal infection and Crohn's disease.
7. magnesium
Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function and ensures a steady heartbeat, strong bones and a strong immune system. In addition, magnesium helps regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. For many people with lower back pain, magnesium supplements have a pain-relieving effect.
8. anti-inflammatory herbs
Inflammation plays an important role in pain. Many herbs have an anti-inflammatory effect and are therefore useful for pain relief. Willow bark, for example, has similar pain-relieving properties to aspirin. The substance salicin found in willow bark is converted to salicylic acid in the body, just as aspirin is converted to salicylic acid in the body, which is the main active ingredient for pain relief.
Another herb used to treat back pain is devil's claw, which contains harpagosides and has effective anti-inflammatory properties.
9. yoga
Yoga provides inner balance, flexibility and strength. Some people swear that yoga helps with lower back pain, but there is no evidence that yoga is more effective than other treatments.
10 Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is a therapy to improve posture. Poor posture is a common cause of muscle tension that can lead to back pain. Used correctly, the Alexander Technique can lead to long-term improvements in chronic back pain, even in advanced cases.
11 Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy involves putting the body and mind into a state of deep relaxation. Under hypnosis a person is more receptive, which is why hypnotherapy is successfully used to change bad habits. This includes breaking bad posture and other behaviours that can cause back pain.
12. balneotherapy
Balneotherapy is one of the oldest forms of pain treatment through the application of mineral water and warm water. Bathing in sea salts and other sulphurous bath salts has been shown to be successful in treating back pain. However, people with heart conditions should only use balneotherapy under supervision.
13 Meditation
Meditation increases pain tolerance and pain management. Through regular meditation exercises, the patient can learn to induce physical and mental relaxation and thus relieve chronic pain. For sufficient effect, one must meditate for half an hour at least four times a week.
14 Tai Chi
Tai chi encourages slow, graceful movements and deep breathing. Tai chi reduces stress and can thus ease muscle tension in the back and relieve pain.
15. music therapy
Music therapy helps to relax the mind and body and reduces chronic back pain caused by tension. Likewise, music therapy relieves depression and anxiety, which are often related to back pain.
