Backs spasms and back trouble are among the most common musculoskeletal health complaints. In most cases, back pain occurs in your lower back and is accompanied by stiffness or muscle spasms in the affected area. The National Health Service of the United Kingdom reports that there are two principle types of back pain: specific and non-specific. If you are considering using herbal remedies to help treat your back problems, review herb-related information with your doctor first.
Back Trouble
MayoClinic.com states that the following problems may cause back pain or discomfort: back muscle strains, bulging or herniated discs, sciatica, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, osteoporosis or reduced bone mineral density in your vertebrae, spine cancer, spine infection and cauda equina syndrome. You may have a greater chance of developing back pain and problems if you are a smoker, are obese and experience chronic anxiety and depression.
Helpful Remedies
Herbal remedies are a time-honored approach to treating back spasms and back trouble. However, not all herbs historically used in treating these musculoskeletal problems have been subjected to randomized controlled trials and their true effectiveness may be unknown. Examples of herbs that may help treat back spasms and other back problems, states nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," include valerian root, meadowsweet, lobelia extract, elderberry, white willow bark, devil's claw and cayenne.
Remedy in Focus
Meadowsweet is an herbal remedy that may be beneficial in treating back spasms and back trouble. Meadowsweet, states herbal medicine expert and naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," possesses both analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. This herb is commonly used in treating musculoskeletal problems, including arthritis, muscle pain, sprains and tendinitis. Both the leaves and flower tops of the meadowsweet plant are used in herbal supplements and preparations.
Considerations
There are many possible causes of back spasms and back trouble. If you develop back problems, schedule an appointment with a musculoskeletal specialist to have your condition evaluated. A qualified health-care professional can counsel you on the most appropriate course of action in treating your back trouble, including herbal remedies that may be most helpful for you and your condition. A combination of therapies -- lifestyle changes, physical medicine and herbs -- may be most helpful in treating your back troubles.
References
- National Health Service: Back Pain
- MayoClinic.com: Back Pain
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
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