Back pain affects almost everybody at one time or another. According to Mayo Clinic, the pain usually resolves with self-care and home treatment. If your pain is intense, involves your legs, causes weakness or numbness, follows a fall, or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, see your doctor. Many people turn to homeopathic remedies for relief from back pain. Homeopathic medicine, based on the principle that "like cures like," is generally recognized as safe, but is an alternative therapy, not a replacement for medical care.
Aesculus Hippocastanum
The homeopathic remedy Aesculus hippocastanum is made from fresh horse chestnuts macerated in alcohol. As with all homeopathic preparations, a minute amount of the substance is successively diluted many times, which allows homeopaths to use herbal and mineral elements that, in larger amounts, would be toxic or deadly. Although homeopaths most commonly prescribe Aesculus hippocastanum as a hemorrhoid remedy, Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that they may use it to treat lower back pain that is dull, continuous and made worse by walking or stooping. Some homeopaths also recommend Aesculus hippocastanum for backache during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before taking Aesculus hippocastanum.
Arnica montana
Arnica montana, made from the leopard's bane plant, is one of the most commonly prescribed homeopathic remedies for back pain, especially for pain that results from overuse or injury. Homeopaths use it to help the body heal and to reduce swelling, bruising and pain. According to Holistic Online, Arnica montana is especially appropriate in cases of back pain in which the patient feels bruised, sore, tender and is reluctant to be touched. Pain that improves upon lying down is another indication for Arnica montana. There isn't enough evidence to support Arnica montana's healing properties; talk with your doctor before taking it or any other herbal supplement.
Kali carbonicum
Kali carbonicum, derived from potassium carbonate, is the homeopathic remedy of choice for low back pain that drives the patient out of bed at night, or causes changes of position due to pain. Homeopaths classify it as a polychrest remedy, meaning it works on all systems and organs of the body. Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests Kali carbonicum for back pain when the pain is worse on the right side of the lower back and is aggravated by sitting or walking. Another indication for Kali carbonicum is the fact that pressure on the area brings relief. Consult a health care professional before taking kali carbonicum.
Rhus toxicodendron
Rhus toxicodendron, made from poison ivy, is used to relieve back pain that becomes less noticeable with motion, but stiffens and worsens with immobility. According to Holistic Online, back pain that is helped by applications of heat should be treated with Rhus toxicodendron. Hpathy.com advises this remedy for chronic back problems—pain lasting longer than three months—rather than the acute or short-lived type. Another indication that Rhus toxicodendron is the correct remedy is that the backache improves with pressure, but worsens when the patient is lying down. Pain that worsens in the morning and worsens in cold and damp weather is yet another indication for Rhus toxicodendron. However, there haven't been sufficient studies on Rhus toxicodendron, so remember to see your doctor before using it at home.
Lycopodium
Lycopodium is made from the spores of the club moss, an evergreen plant native to Europe and North America. Homeopaths use it to treat burning back pain, especially pain located between the shoulder blades, as well as stiffness and pain in the small of the back. According to Beneforce.com, if your symptoms are worsened by hot weather, tight clothes, stuffy rooms, overeating and cold drinks, you may be a good candidiate for Lycopodium. Talk with your doctor before taking lycopodium.
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