chitika

Saturday, January 15, 2011

home remedies for back pain

Back pain is of many types and can be a symptom of a number of different problems, ranging from a minor injury like a strained muscle to a major injury like a slipped disc, and even a few serious conditions such as cancer. Known medically as dorsalgia, although the term is hardly ever used, back pain is extremely common, and affects everyone at some time or the other.



Back pain causes are varied

There are several different causes of back pain, some of which are the result of temporary stress or trauma, and some indicating a structural problem or a degenerative condition.

Back pain causes can mainly be described as follows:
- Strains: The most common causes of back pain are things such as maintaining an awkward position for too long, making sudden awkward movements, overusing the back muscles, bad posture, lifting heavy weights improperly. All of these can strain the muscles and ligaments in the back, causing pain that lasts till the affected parts have recovered.
- Injury or cumulative damage: One common cause of back pain is conditions such as a “slipped disc”, in which part of an intervertebral disc bulges out from the spine, compressing nerves and causing terrible pain. This is usually the result of suddenly lifting things with the back bent. In addition, like any other bone, the bones in the spine can also get fractured as a result of trauma.
- Degenerative conditions: Conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis affect the bones and/or joints, and the spine is no exception.
- Psychological problems: It may be surprising to know that depression and stress can sometimes cause back pain even in cases where no other problem can be detected.
- Other causes: In rare cases, cancer can affect the spine or the nerves in the spine. Infection can also occur, causing inflammation and other problems. 

Back Pain Remedies


Home Remedies for Back Pain Relief

The treatment for back pain depends on the cause. In general however, you can use the following home remedies for back pain:
- Apply a hot or cold compress using a hot water bottle or an ice pack.
- A hot bath also usually helps. If possible, you should sit in a warm tub for a few minutes.
- Exercise in order to strengthen the back muscles. Simple stretching exercises are also useful, both when you have a back ache and on a regular basis.
- Try to relax and get enough rest to avoid both mental stress and physical strain on your back.
- If possible, get a massage. This does not have to be by a professional - a family member can do it equally well as long as they do not use excessive force. Preferably this should be done using a massage oil such as eucalyptus oil. Another excellent oil is mustard oil in which a little garlic has been fried.
- Vitamin C and calcium supplements may help, but consult your doctor before doing this.
- Cut slices of raw potato and place them on the affected area.

Back Pain Diet


There are not many specific dietary recommendations for back pain, except perhaps if you are overweight. Obesity can of course strain an already bad back. It is therefore important to cut down on unhealthy fats and also limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Eat more fruits and vegetables, in particular cabbage, cauliflower, and lettuce. Your diet should also give you all the necessary minerals and vitamins, but in particular the following are important: calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Dairy products along with fruits and vegetables should provide you with the required amount of these substances. In addition, eating more proteins and complex carbohydrates is a good diet for back pain. The proteins are necessary in order to build up your back muscles and the carbohydrates provide the efficient source of energy that your muscles need when you exercise.
Weight loss in obese and overweight people is beneficial


Back Pain - Other Suggestions

Back problems - alternative therapy and medical solutions

There are many different kinds of treatment for chronic back pain, depending on the cause of the pain. The options available include various kinds of medication, ranging from painkillers to anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy with a trained therapist, and in very serious cases, even surgery. If home remedies do not work, you should ask your doctor about these options. You can also try alternative treatments such as acupressure and acupuncture.

Yoga treatment as an alternative therapy for back pain

Yoga can be highly beneficial for the treatment of back pain. Various stretching exercises rejuvenate the muscles of the body and provide great support to the spine and the back. It relieves the muscles of the chronic pain and provides greater flexibility to the body. Various bending exercises like wheel pose, semi wheel pose, fish pose provide appropriate stretch to the muscles of the back and work as the best alternative yoga therapy for back pain. Yoga strengthens the spine and increases mobility. Yoga can help people with slip disk and relieves the body of any acute pain.


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