Explore Natural Treatment For Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most complex issues to treat, because there are many variables to consider, some of which include:

* What are the underlying physiological causes of the pain?
* What has led to the development of the pain?
* How long has the pain been an issue (i.e. is it acute or chronic)?
* What are the lifestyle circumstances of the sufferer, and how might they be affected by different courses of treatment?

All of these components are considered when contemplating the best course of treatment, because the spectrum of options is so diverse – ranging from surgery to a “wait and see” approach.

Moreover, for many people, the main treatment for lower back pain is the use of medication – generally pain medications and muscle relaxants. These medications are quite strong, and it is especially important in cases where they are being considered that their effects are weighed carefully against their benefits. Because the treatments for lower back pain are rather limited and/or drastic, natural treatment options are a wonderful alternative to medication or suffering through pain.

Dietary considerations should be the first step in evaluating back pain. One important fact is that many obese individuals suffer from back pain, to this end, if you are overweight, it is important to begin taking steps to heal the excess stress being placed upon the lower back by losing weight.

Fortunately, many of the facets of a diet geared toward alleviating lower back pain are the basic tenants of a healthy diet, and will therefore aid in weight loss. Being sure to provide the muscles of the lower back with adequate energy will help reduce lower back pain. Foods that metabolize more slowly than others, thereby providing energy for extended periods, include complex carbohydrates (“brown carbs”, i.e. whole grain bread, whole grain pasta, etc.), and protein (lean protein such as turkey or chicken is best), while fruits and veggies will provide the vitamins and minerals necessary for bone health in the lower back.

In addition to dietary changes, there are a number of herbs that may help ease lower back pain. Grape seed extract, licorice, valeria, cat’s claw, bromelain, rosemary, and saw palmetto have anti-inflammatory properties, and will therefore help the muscles in the lower back to relax and heal. Chamomile in particular is known to help relax muscles. Feverfew, burdock, stinging nettle, willow bark, and ginger will help with pain relief. These herbs can be consumed in the form of dietary supplements, as teas, or in their whole form. Additionally, kava root and cayenne pepper can be applied topically to reduce pain.

Fortunately for the many individuals who suffer from lower back pain, there are many treatments available for this problem. Because the medical interventions are rather drastic, the home remedies for lower back pain – use of herbs for healing and dietary changes – are an excellent option for people experiencing lower back pain.

Author

This article was written for Insights-on-Health.com by Nicole D T, a freelance writer who researches and writes on various topics.