By Shilpi Agarwal, MD
In this article, you’ll learn and discover home remedies for fast back pain relief.
You probably don’t know it, but you and Paula Abdul have more in common than you think! You are both parts of the 65 million Americans affected by back pain. The good news is 95 percent of cases involving
back pain do not require surgical treatment. As we age, lower back pain becomes increasingly more and more common. Not to mention, muscle elasticity and bone strength decrease over time, leaving your back vulnerable to strain and injury.
Incorporate yoga into your life
Holding a downward dog for five to ten seconds can help stretch your back muscles. This motion reduces the pressure that can build up in the lower spine and cause pain. Remember to also tilt the pelvis under to avoid any further lower back strain. Pigeon pose is another great posture for backaches. Hip muscles can quickly become tight and shift strain to the back. Stretching out hip flexors and extensors can alleviate
back pressure and pain.
Use capsaicin cream
Capsaicin is a substance found in chili peppers. When used medicinally it helps reduces the amount of substance P, a neurotransmitter that leads to pain impulses in the brain. One study showed that after 3 weeks of capsaicin use, patients had a significant reduction in pain. To use: apply topically, at least twice per day, for maximum relief. The warm sensation also allows you to stretch and move without pain.
Add exercise to your daily regimen
You may be tempted to stay in bed when your back acts up, but exercise and activity can actually help you heal faster and reduce pain. A study of 240 men and women found that
regular exercise reduced pain by 28 percent and disability by 36 percent. Low impact, moderate intensity exercise is the safest option. Avoid movements that trigger pain or require excessive jumping or squatting, which can exacerbate injuries. Take two to three minutes at the end of your workout to
stretch your back thoroughly. Lie flat on your back and hug your knees to release any tension that developed during your workout.
Acupuncture
Research suggests that
acupuncture can help reduce chronic low back pain. One recent review showed that actual acupuncture was more effective than simulated acupuncture or no treatment in reducing pain. It’s not entirely known how acupuncture regulates pain; however, one theory suggests acupuncture helps trigger the
release of pain-reducing chemicals in the body (like endorphins and natural opioids). Back pain is one of the most common reasons patients first try acupuncture and many find sustained relief.
Lose some weight
As we gain weight, stress, and pressure on the lower spine and back muscles increases. The heavyweight at the front of the body can cause an increased arch in the spine and may lead to injury and compression of the discs and nerves. Losing weight reduces the tendency to arch the back and
relieves pressure on the lower spine and nerves.
If your back pain is persistent or excruciating, you should see your chiropractor. For the
best inversion tables…
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