There are millions of people all around the world that suffer from severe pain each and every day. The mass majority of these individuals experience back pain. Unfortunately, this problem can prove to be nearly debilitating. If you’re not careful, your back pain will compound to the point where you’re unable to get out of bed and function effectively. When the pain reaches the point that you find it difficult to perform mundane tasks, you need to find a remedy and seek out relief. Within this comprehensive guide, you will find natural back pain relief remedies and reasons to avoid pharmaceutical alternatives.
The Dangers of Pharmaceuticals
There is absolutely no doubt that there are tons of effective painkillers on the market. The problem is that many of these products deliver just as many negatives as benefits. When consuming pharmaceuticals, there is always a risk that you’re going to become addicted to the medication. That addiction could prove to be disastrous. It could turn your life upside down and make you an outcast in society. It could negatively impact your personal and professional life. With that being said, it is generally best to avoid pharmaceuticals whenever possible.
Below, you’ll find natural alternatives that can provide you with the relief that you’re after.
1. Apply Cream that Contains Capsaicin
There is a good chance that you’ve stumbled across Capsaicin at some point or another. There are numerous creams on the market that contain Capsaicin as an active ingredient. So, you’ve probably used it without even realizing it. This specific ingredient has proven to be very effective for alleviating pain. Capsaicin contains Chili pepper and is capable of dulling the pain to some degree. The pepper can block the nerve receptors found in the skin and turn off the body’s ability to feel the pain.
Depending on the strength of the product, there is a possibility that the capsaicin will provide you with relief for a period of three to five weeks. However, the majority of products on the market will only provide relief for one or two hours. Nevertheless, you can always apply more capsaicin. These products are completely safe, but the ingredients may cause a burning sensation, if used in excess.
2. Consume More Fish Oil
If you’re a fan of fish, you’ll be happy to know that fish oil may provide you with the relief that you’re after. If you’re not a fan of fish, you should consider investing in fish oil capsules. Both options will work exceptionally well for providing you with some relief. Fish oil is thought to be able to help patients suffering from autoimmune disorders and arthritis. When ingested and broken down inside of the body, the fish oil will transform into prostaglandins. Why is this important? Well, these hormone-like chemicals can actually help to reduce inflammation. By taking fish oil on a regular basis, there is a possibility that you’ll be able to cut your NSAID use by a third.
A recent study showed that using fish oil for ten weeks allowed back and neck pain sufferers to completely eradicate their NSAID use. It is recommended that you take around 2,000 to 8,000 milligrams of fish oil daily. Speak with your primary doctor to determine whether or not fish oil is right for you.
3. Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest alternative medicines in the entire world. It has proven to be enormously effective for rectifying numerous problems, including migraines, menstrual pain, arthritis and even back pain. On top of that, there are virtually no risks associated with acupuncture. As long as the treatment is carried out by a trained professional, you’ll have nothing to worry about. However, you must be willing to be pricked with needles. A recent study carried out at the University of Maryland School of Medicine confirmed that acupuncture could be effective for knee pain and back pain.
The number of sessions needed truly depends on the severity of the pain. If your pain is minor, you should be fine with five to eight treatments. However, those suffering from intense or severe pain should get at least eight sessions. Many health insurance plans will cover acupuncture, so you should definitely give it a chance!
4. Take a Hot Bath
As you likely already know, it is believed that heat can help to combat pain. If the injury has occurred more than 24 hours ago, ice will not be effective. Therefore, you’ll need to make the switch over to heat. A good hot bath will be able to improve the elasticity of the muscles to some degree. This may also help to reduce the inflammation slightly. To get the results that are desired, you should sit in a hot bath for twenty minutes or longer. Once you’ve gotten out of the tub, there is a good chance that you’ll feel a whole lot better.
If you’re pregnant at the time, you should ignore this option. Pregnant women should avoid sitting in hot water for too long, as it is believed that doing so could cause miscarriage and birth defects.
5. Trying Ice
If the injury occurred a short time ago, you may be able to rectify the problem with a little bit of ice. As soon as you’ve noticed the injury, you should grab a bag of ice and stick it on the impacted area. Be sure that the ice is wrapped in a cloth material. This will help to ensure that you do not suffer from frost bite. The ice will be able to stop inflammation and provide a little bit of relief. To get the results that you desire, be sure to apply the ice for twenty minutes and remove it. Wait thirty minutes before icing the sore area again.
6. Get Some Rest
Unfortunately, some injuries need time to recover on their own. If you’re suffering from a sprain, you’ll probably need to give your body time to rest. Consider taking off of work and skipping your daily session at the gym. Sit around and get a little extra rest. This will give your body time to recover naturally on its own! Sometimes, time and relaxation will deliver the most back pain relief.
If your symptoms persist after trying a natural remedy, consult your healthcare professional.
Know of any other natural remedies for back pain relief? Share them in the comments section below!
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