Back pain, especially in the lower back, is a common malady that affects as many as four out of five Americans. Causes include injury (as from lifting an object improperly), prolonged standing, pregnancy, poor posture, lack of exercise, and kidney or reproductive problems. Muscle tension brought on by emotional stress is also often implicated in chronic back pain. Because there are so many factors that are involved in back pain, it is essential to identify and treat the underlying cause Backache therapies address relieving not only the immediate muscle pain but also any contributing physical and emotional tension. Backache sufferers usually benefit from stretching exercises, yoga, abdominal strengthening, swimming and walking, and manipulative therapies such as chiropractic, osteopathy, and massage. Chiropractic Care Nutrition and Supplements Herbal Remedies Homeopathic Remedies Essential Oils Chiropractic Care coming soon TOP MENU Nutrition and Supplements Beneficial supplements include: calcium and magnesium, in a 2:1 ratio (e.g., 1,000 mg calcium and 500 mg magnesium) or in a multimineral supplement: to help relax muscles that may be causing pain vitamin C plus mixed bioflavonoids, 2-5 grants, or to bowel tolerance: to support the health of connective tissue bromelain, 500 mg twice daily: for its anti-inflammatory effects TOP MENU Herbal Remedies The following herbs taken internally may help in some cases of backache. A common dosage is 1/2 -1 teaspoon of tincture three to four times daily. white willow bark: contains salicylates, natural aspirin-like chemicals that relieve pain without the harmful side effects of aspirin meadowsweet: also a natural source of salicylates cramp bark: relieves muscular tension and spasms The following herbs can be used as topical applications to provide temporary relief of low back pain caused by muscular tension: arnica oil or gel: relieves muscular pain and inflammation; do not apply to broken skin lobelia or cramp bark: antispasmodic herbs; add one tablespoon of tincture to one quart of hot water, soak a towel in the solution, and apply as a warm compress to the back TOP MENU Homeopathic Remedies Take any of the following single homeopathic remedies for back pain: Arnica: for backache from overexertion or for a bruised feeling Rhus tox.: for a backache that feels better after being warmed up by continuous movement Combination formulas include these single remedies as well as others such as Nux vomica and Sulphur. TOP MENU Essential Oils Essential oils can be used to help relieve backaches as a massage or compress to the painful area, or in a bath. Use any of the following essential oils: chamomile: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, nervine, sedative marjoram: analgesic, antispasmodic, nervine, sedative lavender: analgesic, antispasmodic, nervine, sedative Natural heating liniments that contain essential oils such as wintergreen, camphor, and eucalyptus help warm and relax muscles when rubbed into the back. PAGE TOP Powered by ProfessionalPlanets.com™ Copyright 1999 © ProfessionalPlanets.com™ All rights reserved. Terms of Use