If you suffer from back pain, you're not alone. A study in U.S. News and World Reports claims that the numbers of people suffering from chronic lower back and neck pain are increasing, and many people are not finding sufficient relief from their current treatment. Alternative methods of treating back pain with natural remedies are becoming increasingly popular in the United States and often offer better results than conventional medical treatments.
History
Back pain has been a chronic problem throughout history, and certain methods of natural relief have been documented dating back to the 11th century, such as traction and other chiropractic interventions. In the 19th century, a common theory was that back pain always began from some sort of problem with the spine. Although forms of chiropractic treatment date back to Hippocrates, according to Naturalhealers.com, it grew in popularity in the 19th century due to this spinal theory. In recent years, knowledge on common roots of pain, such as trigger points, has enabled the development of more effective types of treatment for back pain.
Types
With numerous forms of natural back pain relief available, it is often a matter of trial and error to see what works best on the individual level. According to the National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists, trigger point therapy focuses on treating trigger points through intense pressure and deep massage. Trigger points are specific areas found on a muscle that cause intense pain, weakness and referred pain, which means that they cause pain where they are located and in another area which may seem unrelated. Myotherapy includes corrective exercises for the muscles. Chiropractic treatment is often successful for many people, through the use of spinal manipulation and adjustment. Natural back pain relief can also be obtained through magnet therapy, in which magnets are placed on certain areas of the body, and massage, using essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus and chamomile, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Some people also benefit from energy healing modalities, such as reiki. Following a proper diet and exercise routine which incorporates gentle stretches also benefits those who suffer from back pain.
Benefits
The benefits of natural methods of back pain relief are numerous, but the primary benefit is the avoidance of unnecessary medication. Medications often have many more adverse side effects than benefits, and some medications may even cause or heighten the pain you are experiencing. Common treatments, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause stomach disorders, high blood pressure and a host of other negative symptoms. Choosing a natural remedy is a healthier option because the root of the problem can potentially be addressed and corrected, as opposed to using medication, which merely masks the pain and other symptoms.
Warning
Some methods of natural back relief have a reputation of being "quack" remedies with no real roots in medical science. While it is true that certain healing modalities, such as reiki or other forms of energy healing, may offer benefits that are difficult to prove scientifically, they offer a sense of mind-body connection, which can assist in self-healing, and some believe that these modalities can transmit healing energy to affected areas in the back or other parts of the body. Chiropractic treatment has also been viewed by some as being ineffective or a scam, and a Boston TV News report exposed a chiropractic scam artist who was billing for unnecessary treatment. Since there will always practitioners who are just out to take advantage of pain sufferers, it is always a good idea to seek references and verification of credentials before scheduling a visit to an alternative therapist.
Prevention
Preventing back pain is a natural way of avoiding the need for back pain treatment altogether. Some ways of preventing back pain include using proper methods for bending over and picking up heavy objects, developing good posture, maintaining a healthy weight, stretching after exercise and using ergonomic furniture and computer keyboards. A moderately firm mattress can also lessen and prevent back pain, as many people sleep on mattresses that do not provide adequate spinal support or use mattresses that are too soft or too firm.
