Back pain affects about 39% of U.S. adults. The ailment is so common that the National Council of Aging says back pain costs the healthcare sector billions of dollars every year.
The condition hampers productivity and sometimes leaves people incapacitated for days at a time.
Surgery could be the answer but it’s not a guarantee the procedure will be successful. The Conversation reveals that patients sometimes undergo costly, ineffective and invasive operations instead of effective, low-cost treatments.
Below, we’ll discuss natural remedies for chronic back pain.
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Chiropractic Care
You might be wondering when to see a chiropractor. These healthcare professionals treat musculoskeletal conditions, including those affecting the muscles, joints, and spine.
Most people seek out a chiropractor when experiencing joint, muscle or neck pain. The discomfort may be caused by misalignment in the musculoskeletal system.
Chronic headaches are another reason to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor. They may indicate a misalignment in the neck or spine.
The causes of chronic back pain can be down to several factors, from poor posture to standing on your feet most of the day. Chiropractic adjustments encompass soft tissue therapy, spinal manipulation, and physical therapy.
Denver Integrated Spine Center advises that if you encounter any back discomfort or issues with range of motion (ROM), now is the time to treat them.
Gardening
The University of Florida (UF) claims that therapeutic horticulture could have numerous benefits for patients with chronic lower back pain. The place of higher learning has the evidence to back its theory.
A study from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and College of Medicine found significant improvement after just one session.
Study participants were asked to engage in a one-hour therapeutic horticulture session with trained therapists helping them reach, stretch and bend while gathering plant clippings.
Participants reported reduced anxiety around movement and exercise due to lower back pain.
While the preliminary research showed promise, author Leah Diehl says it encourages healthcare experts to consider gardening as an alternative pain medication.
Diet
Believe it or not, your diet affects your pain levels. Cleveland Clinic explains that allergies and food intolerances can sometimes trigger inflammation and pain.
A dietician is your best bet for eliminating or identifying foods that cause discomfort. The clinic adds that healthy eating is especially important for people with diabetes and chronic pain.
HealthCentral recommends an anti-inflammatory diet as the first step in reducing pain. Nature’s little helpers blueberries are packed with antioxidants called polyphenols.
A study by Texas Woman’s University found that eating blueberries significantly improved pain and stiffness for people with knee osteoarthritis.
Also packed with antioxidants, green tea significantly reduces pain and improves joint damage.
Yoga
You don’t have to be proficient in the Downward Facing Dog or Bridge Pose to participate in a yoga class.
A recent study discovered that people with chronic lower back pain who started practicing yoga reported significant improvement in their symptoms.
All the women with lower back pain participated in eight yoga classes over four weeks. The first session was in person, and the rest were online.
The results, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research, showed that the average back pain scores dropped to 3.3 on a scale of 10 following the study.
Home Remedies
Home remedies have long been used for arthritis pain and can be effective for chronic back pain as well.
Healthline says certain herbs have anti-inflammatory properties but cautions that more scientific evidence is needed to understand the potential side effects.
For instance, aloe vera has been used in alternative medicines for centuries. When applied topically to the problem area, it can help reduce pain. However, aloe vera is known to interact with some diabetes medications.
Eucalyptus leaves contain tannins that can lessen pain and swelling. To maximize the effect, follow up with heat therapy, advises Healthline. When using eucalyptus essential oils, remember to dilute them with a carrier oil.
While modern medicine has advanced, chronic back pain interventions remain an under-researched field.
Spinal cord stimulators have been used to treat the condition since the 1960s. However, evidence suggests the invasive surgery required to implant them is unwarranted and doesn’t support their use for treating chronic pain.
Chronic low back pain is not to be taken lightly and can lead to serious complications. Before considering surgery, speak to your healthcare provider about complementary and integrative health alternatives.
Sometimes, managing pain is all you need to properly treat your ailment. Don’t forget to research your condition and ask your doctor the important questions during your next consultation. They may suggest one of the above or other medications.
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Disclaimer: The information in this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are advised to consult with your health care practitioner.
