Friday 22 June 2012

Natural Remedies for Back Pain

It is estimated that as many as 31 million Americans suffer from chronic and debilitating back pain. This unpleasant condition can be influenced by a number of factors such as age, injury, obesity, scoliosis, bad posture and poor lifestyle habits. Back pain can manifest as dull aches, burning sensations or sharp pains. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat this problem without the use of potentially addictive drugs or risky surgeries.

Exercise

Many people today spend the vast majority of their time sitting down. This is often because they have a desk job or spend too much time in front of the television. As a result, their back muscles become weak and prone to injury and discomfort. Exercising regularly can help to not only keep people in shape but also to strengthen the back muscles. Some exercises that will help with this include swimming, walking and twists.

Hot and Cold Treatment

An alternating hot and cold compress has long been a popular way to treat back pain. This can be done by using ice and a heating pad or one of the many hot and cold patches available at drug stores. The cold numbs painful muscles while reducing inflammation. The heat then relaxes sore muscles and improves blood flow, which deliver nutrients and oxygen to the area to promote healing. While doing this treatment, it is advisable to remain immobile for 15 to 20 minutes. Muscles that are stiffened by cold temperatures are easily injured.

Massage

There are a number of establishments dedicated to medical massage, but this method of treatment can also be done at home with the help of a willing partner. Massage, regardless of the technique, will soothe stiff and sore muscles and improve blood flow. Furthermore, massage tends to have a relaxing and rejuvenating effect on the entire body that will fight pain and tension for days afterward.

Spices

Most people mistakenly believe that spices are only good for flavoring food, but many of them also work as potent medicines. For example, turmeric and cayenne, two very common and inexpensive spices, can reduce back pain through their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Spices like these provide a wonderful alternative to drugs like NSAIDs, which are being now blamed for conditions like stomach ulcers and failure of the liver and kidneys.

Improve Posture

People who work in jobs that require long periods of sitting usually develop back problems over time as a result of poor posture. When the strain of the work day starts taking its toll, slouching and slumping is inevitable unless conscious effort is given to maintaining an upright position. Fortunately, there are a number of ergonomic chairs and back supports available on the market that will help users correct this problem.

Firmer Bed

One of the biggest causes of chronic back pain is sleeping on a bed that is too soft. A soft mattress does little to support the spine during sleep, causing the surrounding muscles to become weak and strained. To remedy this, it is recommended to purchase a firmer mattress or skip the mattress entirely. Many people who once complained of chronic back pain have found that sleeping on the floor quickly resolved their issues.