Natural Back Pain Remedies

Many people are more comfortable using natural remedies for their ailments, rather than taking conventional medicines. Back pain sufferers have a number of options open to them to help relieve their pain. Three of the most popular choices are shown below. Note that before trying any of these remedies, you should check with your physician, since some of them might not be suitable for your particular condition.

The Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique was invented by Frederick Matthias Alexander and amongst other things is designed to improve your balance and posture. It teaches you how to reduce strain and tension experienced in everyday life caused by poor postural habits. A study involding 579 chronic back pain sufferers which was published in the British Medical Journal in 2008, found that the Alexander Technique was an effective method of reducing back pain.

Yoga

Yoga encourages mental and physical relaxation, as well as increasing flexibility, strength and balance. Many practitioners report a significant reduction in back pain. There are many different types of yoga, such as Hatha, Kundalini and Bikram, and each focuses on different areas; for example some concentrate more on the mental and spiritual aspects of yoga, and others on strength and balance. As a general rule, you should choose a style which offers gentle exercises concentrating on stretching and body alignment.

Willow Bark

White Willow bark has been used for centuries to reduce pain and inflammation, and has become a popular treatment for osteoarthritis as well as lower back pain. Research backs up the use of willow bark, with several trials showing a marked reduction in chronic back pain. It’s beneficial properties come from the salicin it contains, which is similar to acetylsalicylic acid; better known as aspirin. Apart from being natural, it seems that willow bark has the advantage of giving longer-lasting pain relief than aspirin and causes less irritation to the stomach lining. It has been suggested that there are other compounds in willow bark which act in concert with the salicin to increase its pain relieving properties.