Numerous herbs may be beneficial for your back pain. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or NINDS, back pain can be either acute, or short-term, or chronic. Chronic back pain is pain that lasts more than three months. Common signs and symptoms associated with back pain include muscle ache, stabbing pain, decreased active range of motion and poor posture. Before taking herbal remedies to treat your back pain, meet with your doctor to discuss proper dosage and possible side effects.
Chamomile
Chamomile is an herb that may be helpful for treating your back pain. The flowering tops of the chamomile plant are used to make teas, liquid extracts, capsules and tablets. Chamomile can also be used as a cream, ointment or mouth rinse. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, chamomile, also known as Matricaria recutita, chamomile has been used for many years to treat health conditions including sleeplessness, anxiety and certain gastrointestinal problems. Chamomile may also help to relax tight muscles. The Spine Universe website states that women who are pregnant or nursing should not take chamomile in large amounts, and that you should avoid chamomile if you take blood-thinning medication. Before taking chamomile for your back pain, meet with your doctor to discuss possible side effects and proper dosage.
White Willow
White willow, also known as willow bark, may be effective for treating your back pain. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, or MSKCC, states that white willow contains salicin, the phytotherapeutic precursor of acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin. White willow has numerous purported uses, including for headaches, fever, inflammation, influenza, weight loss and muscle pain. The constituents of white willow that may explain its health effects include glycosides, esters of salicylic acid, tannins, catechins and flavonoids. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, willow bark may be especially effective for lower back pain. Higher doses of willow back, such as 240 mg, may be more helpful for pain relief than doses of about 120 mg, reports the UMMC. Before taking white willow to treat your back pain, consult with your physician about proper dosage and possible side effects.
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw, also known as Harpagophytum, is an herb that may help to treat your back pain. According to the MedlinePlus website, devil's claw is native to Africa and gets its name from the appearance of its fruit, which incorporates hooks to attach onto animals to help spread its seeds. The roots and tubers of devil's claw are used medicinally. Devil's claw has been used to treat atherosclerosis, arthritis, chest pain, tendinitis, fever, headache, muscle pain and back pain. The Spine Universe website touts devil's claw as an herbal remedy that may help to alleviate back pain associated with degenerative disc disease, due to its ability to reduce swelling, inflammation and pain. According to the MedlinePlus website, there are no known interactions between devil's claw and other herbs or supplements. Before taking devil's claw for your back pain, meet with your doctor to discuss proper dosage and possible side effects.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: What is Back Pain?
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Chamomile
- Spine Universe: Chamomile: German and Roman
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Willow Bark
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Willow Bark
- MedlinePlus: Devil's Claw
