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Easing Back Pain Naturally Article
Easing Back Pain, Naturally
from: Keefe FiggattEvery now and then, you feel a twinge in your back. Sometimes it's stronger than a twinge, and it's downright painful. You've twisted the wrong way, or you forgot to lift with your knees, instead of your back. At any rate you know that your back pain is not serious, and you don't want to take pharmaceutical pain relievers just to take the edge off of a little discomfort.
Everyone, regardless of age, status or nationality, is susceptible to back pain. Sooner or later, it will get you, too. That's why it's good to know about truly natural methods that bring welcome and effective pain relief.
Licensed naturopath physician Cathy Wong has shared fifteen natural remedies for relieving back pain. She advises that when back pain strikes, the first step to finding a treatment should be a proper assessment by a healthcare provider.
Should you choose natural back pain relief, there are some options for you to consider. Not all remedies will suit every individual, so it is important to get professional advice before starting any treatment.
Here are some ways to relieve your back pain, the natural way:
Alexander Technique and Healthy Lifestyle
The Alexander Technique goes hand in hand with choosing a healthy lifestyle. This school of thought encourages people to improve their posture and eliminate bad habits. This technique was developed by an Australian actor named Frederick Matthias Alexander, who discovered that he could correct the "croaky" quality of his voice simply by standing tall instead of slouching.
Soothing Heat with Capsaicin Cream
An active ingredient in chili peppers, capsaicin provides an analgesic effect when applied to the skin. There is a reduction of substance P, a neurochemical in the body that's responsible for transmitting pain. Analgesics are among the many types of substances that can dull pain, and capsaicin is a natural analgesic. Just a small amount of 0.025% capsaicin cream, applied four times a day, can bring relief. Be sure to wear gloves while applying the cream to the painful areas of your body.
Bowen Rehabilitation Technique
Tom Bowen, an Australian osteopath, developed a method of gentle bodywork to relieve pain. Long recognized in Europe as an effective way of relieving back pain, the Bowen Rehabilitation method is now popular in North America as well. Therapists performing the Bowen Rehabilitation method will complete a series of movements using their thumbs and fingers. The specialist pulls the skin away from the muscle, applies pressure and immediately releases the tension.
Musical Relief
Music can soothe any savage beast, even the unruly creature otherwise known as your sciatica. Music has always been lauded for its ability to ease stress, anxiety and depression. While the immediate benefits of music therapy can ease sciatica discomfort, the long-term effects are not so astounding.
Easing Pain with Vitamin D
Many natural sources of Vitamin D can bring back pain relief. Vitamin D is found in salmon and other small-boned fish, plus cereal grains, fortified milk and exposure to natural sunlight. People in their advanced years should limit exposure to the sun. Try supplementing your diet with glucocorticoid medications, which can also benefit conditions like lung diseases and allergy irritations. Vitamin D can be a viable source for natural back pain relief, but there are certain risks and side effects, including digestive disorders and darker pigmented skin.
Willow Bark for Back Pain
The bark of salix alba tree is known to be a viable source of salicin, a natural back pain reliever. The body converts salicin into salicylic acid, which is believed to be an active compound that eases pain and inflammation.
If you suffer with back pain, but you're just not ready to turn to pharmaceutical medications, try one of these methods of finding natural back pain relief.
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