A back spasm, or back muscle spasm, is a spontaneous and involuntary contraction of one or more of your back muscles. The Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, or CSMC, states that back spasms may cause considerable pain if they occur near your spinal cord or spinal nerve roots -- offshoots of your spinal cord that eventually become the nerves that provide motor and sensory information to and from your tissues. Before using spices or herbs to help treat your back spasms, review all herb-related topics with your doctor.
Back Spasms
Most back spasms occur when you are performing a lifting, twisting, pulling or pushing movement. If your back muscles are inflamed or strained beyond their ability to support a load, you may develop a back spasm. If you participate in certain activities -- such as football or weight lifting -- you may have a greater likelihood of developing this musculoskeletal problem, notes the CSMC. Common signs and symptoms associated with back spasms include severe back pain and reduced spinal range of motion.
Useful Spices and Herbs
Numerous spices and herbs may be helpful in treating your back spasms. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," some of the most helpful spices and herbs for this purpose are garlic, cayenne, meadowsweet, valerian, skullcap, lobelia, saffron, dong quai, echinacea and blessed thistle. More scientific research is necessary, however, to validate these supplements' purported health benefits.
Featured Herb
Cayenne may be one of the most effective spices and herbs in treating your back spasms. In his book "Plant Medicine in Practice," naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell Jr. states that cayenne, also known as red pepper, has historically been used in treating numerous health problems, including muscle spasms, lethargy and alopecia. Cayenne causes vasodilation, or dilation of your arteries, throughout your body, which helps improve your circulation. This herb may also help relieve pain.
Disclaimer
Back spasms are a relatively common musculoskeletal health complaint, although if you develop this problem, you should visit a licensed health care practitioner to be properly diagnosed and treated. Certain spices or herbs may be beneficial in treating your back spasms, but the use of these natural healing substances does not guarantee a cure. Ask your family physician about appropriate dosage, potential prescription drug interactions, risks and side effects associated with spices and herbs.
References
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: Back Spasm
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
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