Home Remedies and Herbs for Back Pain (Backache)

Back pain is a general term given to the inflammation of the spine and muscles that surround it. It’s a common condition that can be felt in the upper back but most often is felt in the lower back. Back pain can be minor in nature or very debilitating depending on the patient. There are many causes, symptoms and treatments for back pain.¹

What Causes Back Pain?

The causes of back pain are numerous. They run from the mundane to the more serious. Back pain causes vary from person to person as a result of lifestyle and other factors. Some of the most common causes of back pain are:

• Herniated or slipped disks
• Bulging disks
• Degenerative disk disease
• Inflammation
• Accidents or injuries
• Sleeping in a strange position
• Pinched nerves in the spine
• Spinal fractures
• Spasms
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Emotional issues/stress²

What are the Symptoms of Back Pain?

Back pain symptoms can vary by person just as the causes of back pain can. There are both severe and not so severe symptoms the patient should watch for. Some of these symptoms are benign; however there are back pain symptoms that require a doctor’s care. Some of the common back pain symptoms include:

• Pain localized in the lower to mid back region
• Muscle spasms
• Pain felt running down the legs
• Leg weakness (progressive)
• Severe abdominal or lower back pain
• Difficulty passing stool or urine³

How is Back Pain Diagnosed?

Diagnosing back pain can be difficult for doctors. Patients with back pain may present with a variety of symptoms that can make diagnosis difficult. A doctor will usually try to diagnose back pain in a variety of ways such as:

• Questions as to when it started
• Finding out how long it has been going on
• Take an MRI of the back if issues have been persistent for a long time
• Taking a Cat scan of the back
• Taking a urine sample to check for infection⁴

How is Back Pain Treated?

Back pain can be treated in a few different ways. Many times a doctor will recommend light exercise to condition and stretch the muscles of the back and spine. Back pain can also be treated with heat or ice depending on the patient’s preference. Other times they may suggest over the counter or prescription medication to minimize the pain. Certain lifestyle changes other than exercise may also be suggested such as simply resting the body after moving objects. If needed, it may also be treated by natural remedies to help lessen the effects of back pain.⁵

Natural Medicinal Options for Back Pain

Natural remedies for back pain are plentiful. They are often easy to locate and even easier to incorporate into a treatment plan. Some of the most popular remedies for back pain are:

• Chamomile - Drinking this as a tea infusion can calm the nervous system and aid in calming the entire body. If the nerves and body are calmed by the chamomile, it will lessen the symptoms of back pain.
• Eucalyptus Oil - Applied directly to the affected area this is a wonderful back pain relief option. Dilute a few drops of the oil in some olive oil to prevent skin irritation but rub it in as you would an over the counter option and the cooling sensation will loosen back pain pretty quickly.
• Cayenne Pepper - Dilute a quarter teaspoon of this in some warm water and apply to the affected area. The heat from the pepper will help to open the blood vessels in the back and spine. It will also give temporary relief of back pain just the same as a warm compress.

Conclusion

Back pain is a common condition. Many people suffer from it at various times in their lives. As with any medical condition, if the patient notices sudden and alarming changes in their body due to the back pain they should consult their doctor. For the most part, back pain can be managed without medical intervention yet it can become serious if there are underlying medical conditions present as well. They key is to monitor the back pain and take appropriate steps to heal it if needed.

References

1. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=25125
2. http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/causes-back-pain?page=2
3. http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/lower-back-pain-symptoms-and-diagnosis
4. http://www.healthline.com/symptom/flank-pain
5. http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/lower-back-pain-treatment-options#5