Back pain is second only to headache as the most common neurological ailments in the United States. Additionally, a 2002 study showed that back pain is one of the leading reasons why people visit the clinic and miss work.
Back pain is often a sign of injury or some underlying problem related to your spine ā its bones, muscles, and other soft tissues. It could disrupt your work, routine, and your daily activities. It may even affect your normal lifestyle as you are unable to participate in recreational activities due to pain.
Fortunately, back pain is not a very serious condition. In fact, most cases of back pain are only short-term, lasting any time from a few days to a few weeks. There are also many treatment methods and remedies available although there is no definitive method to treat the pain. In addition, the patient can take active steps in avoiding activities that may lead to back pain, such as heavy lifting.
Below are some more tips to help you achieve back pain relief:
Rest Your Back
When you hurt your back, the best way for you to achieve back pain relief is to lie on your back on the floor. Place pillows under your knees so that your hips and knees are bent slightly. This is a good position to take the pressure and weight off your back.
Alternatively, you could also assume the same position only with your feet propped up on a chair. First, lay your back flat on the floor. You can use a pillow to support your head. Then, bend your knees so that the back of your legs are resting on the pillow on top of the seat of the chair.
Back pain relief is normally achieved after a day or two of this kind of rest. If the pain remains even after youāve rested for two days already, see a doctor. Resting like this for longer than two days may cause your muscles to weaken, leading to even slower recovery.
Heating Pads
Hot compresses are not scientifically proven but a fair number of people claim that they can provide back pain relief. Heating pads, especially, have a relaxing effect on muscle spasms which are the leading signs of back pain.
Place the heating pad over the painful section of your back and leave for 20 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use ice packs for back pain relief. Massages can also provide some relief.
Natural Remedies
Turmeric: Curcuma, the active ingredient in the spiceĀ turmeric, has pain-relieving qualities.
AĀ 2021 review claims that curcumin shows a reduction in pain similar to that of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, researchers recommend turmeric as a safe adjunction to NSAID therapy rather than in place of it.
Turmeric is also a common herbal remedy forĀ reducing inflammation. To include turmeric in its natural form in the diet, a person could try adding it to curries, smoothies, or juices.
Ginger, orĀ Zingiber officinale, is a root that shows promise as a natural pain reliever.
AĀ 2017 study found that ginger powder was as effective as ibuprofen in controlling postoperative pain.
An earlierĀ 2015 systematic reviewĀ also found that ingesting 2 grams of ginger per day modestly reduced muscle pain from resistance exercise and running when people took it for at least 5 days. Ginger may accelerate recovery and reduce inflammation related to exercise.
A person could try including ginger in the diet by using supplements or adding it in raw form to smoothies. However, the natural, fresh ingredient may be more healthy.
Medications
If you want fast-acting back pain relief, there are nonprescription medications available in most drugstores. These drugs can reduce pain and swelling and provide back pain relief for sufferers. Be sure to speak with your doctor!
